This story is about a race that I desperately wanted to see but could not. The Indian Derby has not been kind to favourites who came into the race with sterling credentials and were worthy odds on choices. Four years in succession, we have seen four giants coming up short. Giant-killing has been the norm. Set Alight brought home the glorious uncertainty of horse racing. Whatever excuse, if any, she may have had, nothing should detract from the merit of Antonios’s victory. In sporting activity, the word ‘jinx’ is used freely. In 1965, I remember being at Mahalakshmi on the day the Morvi Gold Cup was run. Monitor beat Red Rufus in a photo finish. The latter went on to win the Derby and the Invitation Cup in 1966. Many a friend told me that Red Rufus would not have won the Derby if he had not been touched off in the Morvi Cup. Yes, there have been exceptions but a Morvi win was not a welcome stepping stone to a win in the Indian Derby. The jinx theory cannot stand the test of logic but can be supported by facts. Outsiders win big races all the time. What about Noble Eagle in 2003? I saw Velvet Rope win in 2006. On Friday at Maisons Laffitte in Paris, a 2.5 favourite was beaten in a listed race. Naaqoos, winner of the Jean-Luc Lagardere Grand Criterium at Longchamp on Arc day last year, considered the top sophomore in Europe, was mugged on the line in the Prix Djebel, a 1400-metre (straight) race. In 2005, Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1. Antonios raised his game several levels. There was an opportunity late in the stretch when Set Alight became vulnerable. The fact is that Silvestre de Sousa and Antonios were able to take advantage of it. Races are run to determine champions. On Sunday, Antonios had the ace of spades. When Antonios and Set Alight meet the next time, the tables may be turned. The affable Silvestre de Sousa has made a name for himself in India. I am sure I will get to meet him in England this summer. Jockey de Sousa is scheduled to ride in the 2 35 PM race at Redcar on Monday. Hardly 24 hours later, de Sousa will be plying his trade in a different country. These jockeys are amazing human beings. It is easy to imagine how Malesh Narredu must be feeling. Malesh is a first- class rider. Good jockeys derive strength from losses. They get better and exercise better decision-making skills with experience. It must have been hot in Mumbai on Sunday. As Set Alight struck the front and was on her way to a popular victory, the huge throng must have given a ‘roar of approval’. Not many moments would have passed as Antonios was produced and began narrowing the gap. What looked like a winning lead would have been diminishing to a manageable lead. As Malesh Narredu was praying for the line, an intrepid fan or two who had a flutter on Antonios would have been screaming for a staggering upset. As Antonios swept past the leg-weary Set Alight, I can sense the chill that would have descended on Mahalakshmi. What a thrill it is for me to visualize! Mr SS Shah has an infectious smile. He has a kind word everybody. I got to know him very well in 2008. It was Hotstepper last year. Back-to-back wins in the Indian Derby is an accomplishment that trainers can only dream about. In another part of the world, Tom McCarthy, a 75 year-old trainer-owner was leading in the winner of the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. On Saturday, General Quarters, a 14-1 chance, proved the best in the Blue Grass, the last prep for the Kentucky Derby to be run on May 2. The connections of Antonios - I do not know them. They have to be thanked for their perseverance. Two Derby wins in two years and it is a compelling story for the record books. Is there a three year-old promising enough to kindle hopes for a hat trick? Richard Hughes, Francis Norton and David Allan are in action in England on Monday. Jockey Hughes flew to Mumbai after winning the Easter Stakes aboard the 14-1 Pure Poetry in the 3:10 PM race on Saturday at Kempton Park. Hughes and Norton ride at Warwick on Monday. David Allan is at Redcar.