Alaindair lands Derby riches in record time

MUMBAI: Smarting under the defeat in the hands of the favourite Murioi in the Indian 2000 Guineas, the Bangalore summer Derby winner Alaindair settled the score in the richest and most glamorous event in the Indian racing calendar, the McDowell Signature Indian Derby in record time, emerging the best horse on the circuit at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on D-day.
The winner looked a picture of fitness at the parade ring and the decision to engage the experienced Srinath in favour of the young Sandesh, who had partnered him in Bangalore, proved to be a master stroke.
The top Indian pro produced a splendid effort to register his maiden Indian Derby success. After the nine colts and the six fillies came under the starter's flag for the blue riband of the season which offered a record stakes of Rs 1.93 crore, the Indian Oaks winner Isn't She Special hit the front and set a scorching pace all through the back stretch.
The no-hoper Archie followed the leader while Srinath chose to travel nice and easy tracking Murioi all the way in the classic 2400M journey.
After the two leaders shot their bolt at the top of the straight, Jeremiah streaked ahead before Murioi seized the initiative and when the race came on a boil, Srinath packed a punch on Alaindair and the classy son of Multidimensional stormed through to put the issue beyond doubt in the final furlong.
Starry Eyes finished a game second ahead of Circle Of Life while Murioi took the fourth spot. Alaindair's record effort 2:28.05 bettered the existing record (2:28.54) registered by the legendary filly Jacqueline in 2010.