Derby Trial looks to be a three-horse race
By Aalibaba

Kolkata
September  30, 2005

The Calcutta Derby Trial Stakes 2005 lost a little bit of its competitive edge with the defection of the Vijay Singh trained Aleksei, leaving just five contestants in the Monsoon Season's blue riband. Nevertheless the race should turn out to be an exciting event with Ardennes, Rasalas and Sanskara vying with each other for top honours.

Vijay has high hopes in Ardennes, whose recent South India form indicates that the Razeen-Surrender filly is following the charted course. Her dam is a daughter of Gourgandine who has produced some celebrated stayers like Allied Forces and Perceived Value. Ardennes is a full sister to Rhapsody In Blue.

Daniel David’s Rasalas is going to be the favourite for the event and, rightly so, because the Storm Trooper-Ruddles son has been maintaining his brilliant form of last winter.

Rasalas showed early signs of his class last winter when returning an emphatic winner on his debut before going on to win the 1,600m Grand Annual Handicap with the top-weight of 60 kilos on his back.

Two more races during the ensuing season, including the Calcutta Colts Trial Stakes, were mere formalities for the prized horse, and he will be the one to beat in the Derby.

Sanskara, another filly in the field, is, however, no pushover. She is the winner of the 1,600m Nanoli Stud Million and the 1,400m Acorn Stakes, last winter. Although, the Bharath Singh-trainee failed in a handicap race, early in the season she made ample amends by winning the 1400-metre Fillies Trial Stakes. With staying blood in her pedigree, the daughter of Don't Forget Me out of Shisedio has all the credentials to win this event.