One N Only Favored to Triumph in Hyderabad Monsoon Season Opener
Expectations are high for Five-year-old gelding One N Only as the Hyderabad Monsoon Races 2026 commence on July 27. Following a strong second-place performance in his previous outing, the veteran runner leads the field for the featured Anab E Shahi Plate.
Competitive Field Set for Anab E Shahi Plate
The Hyderabad Monsoon Races 2026 launch this Monday afternoon, July 27, headlined by the Category I Anab E Shahi Plate. Competing over a 1,200m distance, the five-year-old gelding One N Only enters as a top contender to secure victory after narrowly missing out with a second-place finish in his last race. Jockey Akshay K will partner with the gelding, carrying 58kg in a field that includes high-weight Ashoka (67kg) and Lashka, ridden by Trevor.
Maiden Prospects and Youthful Talent
The day opens with two divisions of the Adilabad Plate, reserved for three-year-old maidens over 1,100m. In the first division, Yali, guided by Trevor, stands as the primary selection against rivals like Speedy Queen and Miss Lovely Angel. The second division sees Queen Eternal and You Tuber emerging as the likely frontrunners.
Mid-Card Analysis and Feature Handicaps
Competitive spirit remains high in the Con Amore Plate divisions for horses rated 60 to 85. Perception holds the edge in the second division at 1:40 pm, while Sugar is forecasted to lead the 2:45 pm Division I race, facing stiff competition from Secret Saint and Decoy. The Basara Trophy features Garfunkle as the day’s best bet among a large 16-horse field.
- Top Pick for Salar Jung Trophy: Sharanga is favored to outperform Calabasas and Emerald Touch in the 1,200m sprint.
- Closing Event: The Tenacity Plate concludes the program, with Golden Unicorn expected to handle the 4-year-old and upward category.
- Feature Race Prediction: 1. One N Only, 2. Lashka, 3. Diablo.
The eight-race card provides multiple wagering opportunities, including two Mini Jackpots and a standard Jackpot covering the final five races of the afternoon.
Source: The Hindu — Races
