The Indian derby: Money is on Hills And Stars

It is an open affair when the 13 horses take to the starting gates for the McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby (Gr 1) at the Mahalaxmi Race Course here on Sunday.

The contenders in the fray are stars as they line up for the life time race of their careers. It is an open affair and it would be difficult to single out a winner. In the Spotlight, Hills And Stars, Pronto Pronto and Smashing could be the main front runners.

“It is a very competitive race and singling out a particular fancy is difficult. It appears to be between In The Spotlight and Pronto Pronto. The upset could be Ranthambhore or Star Marquess,” said RWITC president Vivek Jain on the eve of this race.

Pronto Pronto and Hills and Stars should be involved in an interesting finish. I hope Hills and Stars wins only because my thoughts are with its trainer Vinayak Gaikwad,” said Vijay Shirke, the owner of Cardinal and Picasso who are in the fray. Gaikwad is suffering from brain tumour and is retiring after this derby.

“I am not convinced that the others in the fray will stay the trip although Smashing won the oaks impressively. The Derby is a different ball game and Smashing will have to scale higher levels which I think is difficult,” said Shirke.

Hills And Stars will be ridden by Irishman Richard Hughes. “She is in good nick and should win,” he said. However, many pundits are of the opinion that it is an open field and will make the Mumbai Derby more interesting.

First race: 1.15pm
Selections
1.1.Celsius (6), 2. Athos (4), 3. Machala (3)
2. 1. Clinton (2), 2. So Royal (7), 3. Fortune Hunter
3. 1. Scarlet Pimpernel (11), 2. Silk Cut (5),
3. Incognito (7)
4. 1. Red Baron (2), 2. Capital Attraction (7),
3. Sun Salutation (10)
5. 1. Onassis (1), 2. Dear Henry (2), 3. Portrush (4)
6. 1. Naserian (5), 2. Sikandar (6), 3. Belmont (2)
7. 1. Hills And Stars (11), 2. In The Spotlight (12),
3. Pronto Pronto
8. 1. Coccenella (3), 2. Palazzo Garzioli (4),
3. Sugar Loaf (1)
9. Ashwa Apollo (1), 2. Apocalypse (7),
3. Staffan (10)
Day’s best: Clinto (2-2)
Outsider: Picasso (7-6)