Imtiaz Sait's colt tipped to outdo main rivals

MUMBAI: Trainer S Padmanabhan, top English pro Martin Dwyer, owner Jamshed Appoo and breeder Zavaray Poonawalla are looking forward to remain 'In The Spotlight'.
The Mistry group, led by Shapoorji Pallonji and his son Pallon, who have made a 'Major Impact ' on the racing scene after the exploits of their top colt, are calling out Pronto Pronto.
Champion trainer Pesi Shroff is busy providing the finishing touches to 'Picasso'.The darling of the Mahalaxmi crowd, Richard Hughes, has 'stars' in his eyes and the most sought after and sporting owner Vijay Mallya is looking ahead to make a 'Smashing' entry to the podium.
That's how competitive the blue riband of the season, the McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby, is this time.
There's nothing much to chose from the top five contenders and no overwhelming favourite for the richest race in the Indian racing calendar, with Rs 1,56,96,000 on offer to the winner on Super Sunday.
Back after completing a classic hat-trick , winning the Indian 2000 Guineas after his classic double in the Bangalore summer season, Pronto Pronto retains form and fitness.
"Pronto Pronto just doesn't know how to lose. All his three classic wins are thrillers and believe me, he really is a braveheart ," said Imtiaz, pointing out that jockey Srinath has struck a perfect bond with Pronto Pronto and the two should do it again on Sunday.
Padmanabhan is very bullish on his filly's chances. The powerfully built daughter of Radiate donkey licked the opposition in Kolkata and taking into account that the filly is blessed with both stamina and speed, In The Spotlight heads the 'Ladies Brigade' , promising to add the biggest feather to her classic cap.
Martin Dwyer, who has partnered the filly in all her classic victories, rates her high and according to the leading English 'Knight' , In The Spotlight could be the one to beat on Sunday.
Richard Hughes is satisfied with the preparation of Pune Derby winner Hills And Stars. The bred in the purple filly has impressed her connections in her preparatory gallops and with top international saddle artiste Hughes to guide her fortunes, Hills And Stars could well pop up when the race comes on a boil and pull the plug on her rivals on D-day .
Picasso's staying ability is a trifle suspect, but his trainer Pesi Shroff and his jockey Pasquier are confident that the mile-and-a-half trip is well within the compass of Picasso.
After her victory in the Indian Oaks, Smashing is back on the big classic scene. Jockey Anthony Crastus feels she enjoys a definite edge as she has the best turn of foot and that will prove decisive at end.
All said and done, Pronto Pronto appears to hold the cutting edge on his fancied rivals.