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Last year, the Monsoon Derby was annexed by Vijay Singh-trained Ascriptive after a memorable tussle with Bountiful Talent in the straight. This year, the goldie-brown colours of MAM Ramaswamy are conspicuous by their absence.
Most of Sunday’s seven participants took part in the Fillies Trial Stakes and Colts Trial Stakes held about a fortnight ago. As such, none of them have been subjected to a rigorous work routine in this short space of time which is just as well.
Pesi Shroff-trained Adriana won the Fillies Trial Stakes but the trainer has opted to try his luck with the highly rated filly Anastasia who finished fourth in that race. The experienced jockey-turned-trainer obviously feels that the extra 600 metres will help her cause. The filly is sired by Statue of Liberty out of the Irish mare Odabella and will be piloted by Malesh Narredu. In the Fillies Trial Stakes, nephew Suraj had done duty.
Another classy filly Gloriosa, from Darius Byramji’s stable, will also make her presence felt. The filly by Honour and Glory out of the American mare Tarnished Lady finished a flying second in the Fillies Trial. She had come into that race without a race-gallop and is bound to put up a fine performance in the season’s big ’un. She is also certain to find considerable support as she will be guided by none other than local champion Christopher Alford.
The Colts Trial Stakes turned out to be a one-horse affair after the distance post. However, the winner Credit Squeeze (Young Senor – Annella) is a full brother to Hyderabad based Hurricane Bay who has never won above seven furlongs. Nevertheless, the presence of Steinbeck on his dam’s side, gives one cause to believe that he will get the trip. After all, Steinbeck has sired several top-class stayers. Western India’s crack jockey C. Rajendra will be doing duty astride this handsome dark bay who will also benefit from the services of stablemate and pacemaker Spectacular Style.
While these three are the leading contenders for the Monsoon Derby, the likes of well-bred Arctic Force (Razeen-Forest Paradise), Royal Charter and Secret Whispers cannot be totally ignored. Thus, all in all, it ought to be a race to remember!
The card of eight races promises to produce its share of thrills. Barring the Stewards Cup which has four in the fray, the other events have well-filled line-ups, making winner-spotting anything but easy.
However, if the Rain Gods stay put, form is likely to hold good. So brace yourselves for some excellent thoroughbred racing and make a bee line for the Calcutta racecourse on Sunday.
