Santissimo, the dominant winner of the HPSL Indian 2000 Guineas by a comfortable three lengths, stands out on paper as the top contender for the much-anticipated HPSL Indian Derby at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Sunday.
However, with a strong field of 16 horses set to battle it out, the race remains an open affair. The starting lineup will see four additional gates added to the standard 12, which could put the last four runners at a disadvantage as they navigate the bends.
“This makes the race more complex and competitive—it all comes down to how the jockeys handle the situation,” remarked champion rider Suraj Narredu, who will be astride Casteel and starts from gate two.
Former RWITC chairman Vivek Jain echoed a similar sentiment: “Ultimately, it's about how the riders handle the Derby distance and the traffic. The draws won’t make much of a difference.”
Casteel, a four-year-old colt from Satish Narredu’s stable, is one of the leading contenders. With four consecutive victories, including wins in the Calcutta Derby, The Calcutta 2000 Guineas (Gr.2), and the HPSL Calcutta Monsoon Derby, he will be making his debut on Mumbai turf. Suraj Narredu, who has guided Casteel to five wins, will be aiming for a sixth straight triumph.
Adding to the intrigue is Ranquelino, the HPSL Bangalore Derby winner, making this contest even more thrilling.
First race: 2.15pm
Selection
1. The Coromandel Gromor Million powered by Coromandel International Limited: 1 (7), 2. (8), 3. (6)
2. The Keki D Mehta Memorial Million: 1 (2), 2. (10), 3. (8)
3. The Rusi Patel Trophy (Gr.3): 1. (7), 2. (1), 3. (6)
4. The Sir Homi Mehta Breeders' Produce Stakes: 1. (1), 2. (4), 3. (9)
5. Thackers Eclipse Stakes of India (Gr.2): 1. (4), 2. (2), 3. (1)
6. The B K. Rattonsey Memorial Maiden Multi-Million: 1. (13), 2. (1), 2. (5), 3. (7)
7. The HPSL Indian Derby (Gr.1): 1. Santissimo (10), 2. Casteel (2), 3. Ramquelino (9)
8. In Memory of Enabler Million: 1. (4), 2. (10), 3. (12)
9. The Rustomjee Golden Million Legacy: 1. (1), 2. (5), 3. (7)
