McDowell Derby promises to be a minefield
By Sharan Kumar

January 31, 2004

There are no super stars in the fray for the Gr 1 McDowell Indian Derby though one is likely to emerge from the action on Sunday. As such, the big field in the fray looks a minefield and how the explosion takes place, with what impact, is hard to predict with conviction. An analysis of the pedigree of the contestants does not throw any clear light because while each of the runners has commendable pedigree, unfortunately, it does not help to pin down the top three. Lancaster and Ramjet may not be bred as stout stayers but as individual specimens they have far excelled expectations and it won’t be a surprise if they turn out to be the dark `uns in the fray. Going by the performance thus far, Estonia, Simply Supreme, Lancaster, Ramjet, Artois and Londoner could be the ones figuring at the finish, with the surprise element resting with the Darius Byramji duo of Psychic Flame and Grosvenor Square.

The Indian Derby has more often than not gone on predictable lines with occasional aberrations like Noble Eagle winning against the run of expectations. The Bangalore Summer Derby form has always been strong but this time out; the first three placed horses have been rendered hors de combat. Glorious Colours was sidelined by a setback while Fond Fantasy has broken down and Brown Sugar is nursing a tendon injury. The only worthwhile runner left from that important race is Lancaster. He has been judiciously prepared and with Englishman Martin Dywer to guide him, the son of Glory of Dancer is fancied to cause an upset. While Glory of Dancer himself did not stay the mile and half trip, Lancaster has turned out to be a different specimen though he has not stamina influence from the dam side too. But Lancaster carries lot of class and he is one of the survivors from among the horses, which showed out promise as two-year olds, and as such, he deserves respect.

C D Katrak trained Estonia has everything going for her. She won the Gr 1 Indian Oaks in splendid fashion albeit in poor timing. She is blessed with an excellent turn of foot and her sire Alnasr Alwasheek has been a strong influence on the Indian Derby for the last three years. The temperamental Estonia has in the past, had the measure of top quality horses like Hawke Bay who unfortunately is down with a tendon problem. She has done everything right but only Amazing Bay, in recent years, has gone on to win the Oaks as well as the Derby. Since Estonia likes to be ridden in restraint, in an unwieldy like the one in fray for the Derby, traffic hazards could pose a problem or two. But if everything falls in place, she could well crown herself as the super star of her generation.

The son of Razeen, Simply Supreme is one who has made rapid strides during the season. His win in the Gr 2 Ramnarain Ramniwas Ruia Cup was achieved in splendid fashion. Simply Supreme has achieved his wins the hard way, by dictating the pace from the word `go’ and since he is bred to stay, and won his last outing in good timing, he could prove a worthy contender. Jockey Prakash will guide his fortunes and it is not necessary that he should have to be ridden up front because some useless runners might hit the front and expend themselves. There is no point in fighting with them if they are there to spoil the pace. Among the horses with ability and the breeding to support, Simply Supreme emerges as the strongest challenger.

The enigmatic Artois from trainer Vinayak’s stables won the Gr 1 Pune Derby in spectacular fashion and jockey Malesh Narredu went on record to say that the son of Storm Trooper was the best horse he had ever ridden in his long career. But since Artois suffered from various physical niggles, he was never trained hard for fear of break down. But finally, the connections have decided that such methods are not bound to yield results and given him the best shot for the top event of the year by pushing him hard. He is bound to be better than ever before and with Nail McCullagh, the most successful foreign jockey riding in India in recent times, guiding his fortunes, he could still live up to his original billing. He is not lacking in stamina and if his legs hold firm, Narredu could well be regretting another glorious chance slip by.

Padmanabhan trained Ramjet surpassed everyone’s expectations by running a game second behind Estonia in the Oaks. She has everything going for her and eminently capable of causing an upset. Londoner is an improving type and the daughter of Storm Trooper belongs to the brigade with the unpredictable element in them. Psychic Flame has made rapid strides since moving to Kolkata and comes with a big reputation. The man with the perfect big match temperament, Pesi Shroff will be guiding her and she will get the best chance to test out her strength against quality opposition. Grosvenor Square who dropped form after winning the Gr 1 Colts Trial Stakes is a moody customer and could prove a spoilsport.