Keen Tussle on Card for North India Derby |
| The day has finally come to witness the most prominent event of the Delhi racing calendar - North India Derby. The Vaishnavi Group, who has been sponsoring multi-million race for the youngsters, is also associated with the Blue Riband by offering huge stake money. Five fillies, two geldings, one colt and rig each will be staking claim for the total prize money of Rs 46 lakh including around Rs 27 lakh (Highest ever in the history for Delhi racing) the championship. Ever since the colour of silk and brown went off the National Racing circuit after Celtic Princess in 2007, the race became an open affair. The following year, the local champion horse Brahamputra went to carve a niche among the Derby winners. However, seeing the flow of monetary fund for the coveted event, few prominent outstation horses made appearances and Tomsk (Bangalore) succeed in lifting it. Following the tradition, the last classic race of the calendar induced number of outstation-based owners and trainers. In the field of nine, only two local horses - Rocking Star and Enya will be carrying the Delhi hope. Rocking Star, who was adjudged the champion horse of the previous season, has only tasted defeat in ten outings. However, in the presence of big guns, her potential will be under scrutiny. One remembers her narrow victory over Shubh Shubh over the Derby trip - mile. Ashwa Paryag, who began his career in Delhi before being deported to western India, will also be in action. Sprint Star, winner of Mysore 2000 Guineas and Harvins Bangalore 2000 Guineas, will be taking on the field being the first favourite. Satish Narredu, who has been on the Derby podium in the famous silk - "Gold and Brown" twice for guiding the fortunes of Prancing and Royal Court in 1998 and 1999 respectively, will be hoping for leading-in "Sprint Star" this time. Captivating, who has been quite prominent and a class one winner in Bangalore, arrived with Sprint Star but appeared late for the morning practice. However, the main problem for the duo is the extreme cold climate of the capital under which they were taken to the task. Arts, who had received a severe setback at the hands of D'artagnan at Malakpet before tasting an easy victory in Delhi, is from MUmbai. Anupam Sharma, who was a wonder boy for Delhi before shifting his base firstly to Kolkata and now in Hyderabad, has come with Suchiman, who has been judiciously prepared. Anupam has also pocketed the trophy with Tiana in 2005. |
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