MEA CULPA WINS FIRST CLASSIC – THE BANGALORE OAKS, GR.2

The well-bred filly Mea Culpa (Multidimensional-Yana), won her debut race six months ago and since then has run four Terms races with the hopes that her impressive breeding will earn her a Classic. Attempts were made but none proved successful. Fourth in the Mysore 1000 Guineas to Isn’t She Special; managed the same placing in the Mysore Derby to Sir Cecil; sixth in the South India 1000 Guineas to Tudor Treasure, a distance behind Hammersmith. Finally, she got it right in the Bangalore Oaks, Gr.2 and this was ample reward for her connections that knew that her breeding would one day play its part.

The field of eight got off to a level start with none showing any urgency. Play Safe went into the early lead with Hammersmith on the rails, Mea Culpa was on her outside and Blue Moon the favourite further out. Superb Success, Sakura, Shesmyscript and Silver Dew follow in a single file. They continued for most of the way in this order. As they reached the home turn, Play Safe began to extend her lead over Hammersmith on the rails, Blue Moon coming through the middle, and Mea Culpa on her outside. The Arjun Mangalorkar-trained Mea Culpa was the fastest moving, taking care of both Hammersmith and Blue Moon before she went on to attack the leader. She got stronger to the line racing past the long-time leader Play Safe by 1¾ lengths.
Superb Success managed to make a late run to finish in third 2¼ lengths away, a neck in front of Hammersmith. Tracking the frontrunners and maintaining a good position for most of the race the favourite Blue Moon disappointed, finishing a long neck away in fifth.

The Ms Ameeta Mehra-owned filly completed the mile and a half in 2:34.23sec and will be seen trying to add more Group glory success to her resume.