Now, how will Abs Fabs do in the Indian Derby?
I had a chat with Arjun Mangalorkar, trainer of Abs Fabs.
"We felt that the Indian Oaks was a good option. Abs Fabs is a good traveller. She handled the Bangalore-Kolkata trip very well. In Mumbai, she is doing extremely well."
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| Abs Fabs (Jockey F Norton Up) |
"There is an air conditioned stable and Abs Fabs has no problems managing the humidity. I am optimistic. You have to go for bigger targets and unless you do, you will not know how good you are. We have to find out how our filly stacks up against Set Alight. We are willing to explore the possibility."
"Mystical lost the Derby in Mumbai but proved himself with two wins in Dubai. You have to try."
Jockey Francis Norton is coming from London to renew his partnership with Abs Fabs.
I spoke to jockey Norton. There is one flat meeting in England on Thursday and Norton had no mounts.
"I am leaving Friday morning about 9:45 AM. I will be in Mumbai late in the day on Friday."
"Abs Fabs continues to improve. She has high cruising speed. Another thing, there is no question-she will stay the trip (2400 metres) and yes, she has to step up on Sunday. She faces tough ones but we've to be hopeful. I believe she can take her game to a higher level."
"Will she handle the firm course and the Mumbai heat? It is a million pound question. Let me say this. Everybody has to deal with it."
"In terms of strategy, I will do what is right depending on how the race goes. I don't want to play into anyone's hands. I know my filly. I know the course and have seen the opposition."
I wished Norton good luck and told him that I will give him a baseball cap when I see him in London late in May.
