Indian Derby promises a closely fought contest

MUMBAI: Though there are two prime contenders in Pesi Shroffschooled Fynbos and Adhirajsingh Jodhatrained Baychimo, the Villoo C. Poonawalla Indian Derby looks wide open, with at least three more challengers among the 11 runners in contention for Indian racing’s most sought-after prize. Shroff ’s Zacharias, Jodha’s Sovereign King, and Mansingh Jadhav’s Indian 1000 Guineas winner Kavya pose major threats to the leading pair. It will depend on how the race unfolds at 5.45pm. The winner will pocket a prize of Rs 2.4 crore. There are nine races with the first starting at 2.15pm. Selections 1. Tattersalls Million (1400m): Don Julio 1, La Dolce Vita 2; 2. Keki D Mehta Memorial Million (1600m): Alexios 1, Puccini ; 3. Rusi Patel Trophy (Grade 3) 1600m: Santissimo 1, African Gold 2; 4. Sir Homi Mehta Million (1200m): Lady Scarlet 1, Beast Mode 2; 5. Thackers Eclipse Stakes of India (Grade 2) 2000m:Psychic Star 1, Namiri 2; 6. Rattonsey Multi-Million (1400m): Buckingham 1, D’Artagnan 2; 7. Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Derby (Grade 1) 2400m: Baychimo 1, Fynbos 2; 8. Coromandel Gromor Million powered by Coromandel International Ltd. (1200m): Social Butterfly 1, Western Star 2; Queen's Necklace Million (1200m):Ministry Of Time 1, Golden Heart 2; Day's best: Santissimo. Time And Tide wins Jain Trophy Jodha-trained Time And Tide easily beat his eight rivals to win the Grade 2 Dr S C Jain Sprinters' Championship, feature of the Saturday’s races. Trainer Jodha and jockey Suraj Narredu registered a treble each. Pool dividends: Jackpot: 70% Rs 3154 (290 tkts) & 30% 152 (2582); Super Jackpot: 70% 6693 (8) & 30% 229 (100); Treble: 378 (117).