MYSORE DERBY LOSES TOP TWO CONTENDERS

Oct 19, 2004

The 2004 Poonawalla Mysore Derby (Grade 1) has been shorn of some of its quality with the top two contenders, Fantabulous King and Spectacular Quest, being scratched from the race. 

Fantabulous King (Burden Of Proof-Imposing), winner of the Grade 1 Kingfisher Bangalore Derby in July, has been beset with problems relating to the respiratory tract throughout his career. Off the track for three months after winning the Kingfisher Derby, Fantabulous King was a well-beaten third over 1800 metres earlier this month. He has been withdrawn from the Mysore Derby on medical grounds.

Spectacular Quest (Placerville-Forest Fantasy) who was favoured by many to win this derby after his gutsy win in the Mysore 2000 Guineas (Gr.2), bruised a foot during morning track work and has been pulled out of the race. Winner of the Bangalore Colt's Trial Stakes (Gr.1) apart from the Mysore 2000 Guineas, the MAM Ramaswamy owned gelding will now be seen in action during the Bangalore Winter season.

Fantabulous King

Spectacular Quest

There could well be other withdrawals from the derby field as Adesina (Razeen-Ideas And Trends), runner up in the Mysore 2000 Guineas is also reported to be under a cloud.

The derby is now wide open and it could turn out to an exciting contest as lesser known horses vie with each other for this prestigious prize.