In a welcome gesture, the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC) has generously sponsored to bring the live telecast of the Epsom Oaks to be run this evening (Friday) and the Epsom Derby that will be run on the following day (Saturday, June 4th 2011) to the homes of the Indian racing enthusiasts. The live telecast will be beamed on Ten Sports on both days and is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST. The starting time for the Epsom Oaks is 8.35 pm IST (today) and the Epsom Derby will be run at 8 pm IST on Saturday.

The Epsom Oaks will see 13 fillies going to the post racing over 2,400 metres. Mahmood Al Zarooni’s charge Blue Bunting (Frankie Dettori atop), winner of the 1000 Guineas, is the leading market fancy quoted at 9/4. Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Wonder Of Wonders (Kieren Fallon) is one among the top contenders and is being offered at 7/2.

The stable is confident that she would do well particularly after her triumph in the Cheshire Oaks in early May. Misty For Me (Seamie Heffernan), fresh from her last start Irish 1000 Guineas conquest, is another from the O’Brien yard who commands respect. She is being offered at a nourishing 13/2. Havant (Ryan Moore), who represents Sir Michael Stoute, enjoys a stout support at 11/2. The quartet form the front-runners for the prestigious race and should there be a major upset, Mick Channon’s unbeaten filly Zain Al Boldan (Sam Hitchcott) is the one to watch out for.

Of the 13 declared to start for the 2011 edition of the Epsom Derby, Carlton House, the Queen’s property has grabbed most of the pre-race attention and not alone for his racing credentials. An injury which led to a bothersome swelling had put all his aspirations at doubt. However, his latest performance on the trial track came as a huge relief to his connections and he looks on course to take a crack at the Epsom Derby crown. His niggle notwithstanding, Carlton House, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, gets the top billing being quoted at 2/1. He was most impressive while winning the Dante Stakes which is considered the prime Derby trial race.

Trainer Andre Fabre’s Pour Moi is being looked upon as one of the main contenders and a victory over a mile and a quarter will establish his staying abilities. Many feel that the extra 400 metres would be well within his strides. Pour Moi is offered at 7/2. Aidan O Brien’s Recital is a much talked about contender. Recital scored an emphatic victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. Recital is bred to stay and with K Fallon in the saddle, comes at a value-for-money 5/1.

A host of other supporting races promises an exciting two days of racing at its best. The RWITC has done well in its endeavour in bringing the best of racing to the Indian racing fraternity. The Club will also sponsor the live telecast on all the five days of racing action at Royal Ascot in Mid-June.