The field of an expected seven, is probably the smallest ever for this
regional classic, instituted in 1984 when Prudential Champ won the
inaugural. However, the fat purse of Rs.33 lakhs, with the winner taking
home close to Rs.20 lakhs, has ensured a quality line up, with Ruben
Star the clear favourite on the strength of his current superb form.
Derby Day has some interesting attractions for the first time and should
see the turnstiles ticking away. A big lure will be the chance to win a
total of ten free tickets (five pairs of two each) to the ongoing ICC
Champions Trophy final at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Nov 5,
2006. And should India make it to the final, these tickets will be worth
a fair fortune! In addition, a lucky winner can take home a Compaq
Champion Series Intel computer, in a contest that simply involves naming
the winners of the N.H. Dhunjibhoy Sprint Championship, also sponsored
by the Dhunjibhoy family and the Nanoli Pune Derby.
In addition, to add a touch of interest to the weekend racing, a contest
titled The Nanoli Pune Derby Turf Challenge will be held, with cash
prizes of Rs.20,000 each to the leading trainer and jockey over the
weekend up to the Derby race. The winners will emerge from a simple
point system, with bonus points for winning the two sponsored races.
Astonish and Indictment, both Indian Triple Crown winners and multiple
classic winner Forest Fantasy and Invitation Cup winner Amorous Knight
have won the Pune Derby in the past. Though the race does not have an
equine of such stature, the favourites Ruben Star and Secret Memory are
clearly top line classic hopefuls.
