There is excitement and anticipation in the air ahead of Saturday's Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Oaks (Grade 1), where champion filly Fynbos aims to redeem her reputation after a Guineas debacle that left tongues wagging.

Trained by Pesi Shroff, Fynbos was the darling of the turf until she faltered in the Indian 1000 Guineas, losing to trainer MK Jadhav's Kavya, ridden by David Allan. The defeat came laced with drama, prompting inquiry, and jockey Trevor Patel copped a fine and suspension for his ride.