I have always felt that Earth, trained by Sanjay Kolse, is a specialist seven-furlong horse, but requires a very strong rider to correct her habitual drift in long Mahalaxmi homestretch. On Monday, when the Mumbai racing season 2025-26 bids goodbye, Kolse has pitched Earth in the feature event, the Cursetjee Dhunjishaw Trophy (Class II; 1400m), and engaged A Sandesh to ride. Therefore, though the eight-horse field looks quite competitive on paper, I have no hesitation in nominating Earth as first choice.

First race at 4.30 pm.
Selections: