The Nanoli Pune Derby has suspense writ large on the final outcome as even those who breathe racing aren’t sure which way the race would go! Indiarace trotted around to ask personal views of various racing personalities and each had a different pick and a measure of uncertainty in rooting for one candidate. A “hedge” option was pronounced by almost everyone. Read on to keep a tab on the pulse at Pune on the eve of the Nanoli Pune Derby 2011.

Vivek Jain: It’s a very open contest this year and with the showers we have had overnight it gets even more intriguing. It appears, on paper at least that Maddox and Hills and stars would have an edge in what appears to be a closely fought race.

ZS Poonawalla: Simply for his good looks, I would go for Cardinal. He has great looks. He may be a wee bit short on stamina because his dam was one of the fastest fillies in the North of England. He might find the 10 furlong trip a tad too long.

KN Dhunjibhoy: Picasso, if he stays, will be hard to toss. He has shown great maturity and enough class to harbour hopes that he will give a good account of himself. I am not too concerned about his reversal in Hyderabad only because I know for a fact that he was not as sharp as required mainly due to the wet weather conditions prior to his Hyderabad campaign. He is working extremely well now and is back to his best. I only hope it doesn’t rain. He doesn’t particularly prefer the softer ground. Cardinal too should run a good race.

Berjis Desai: Honestly, I think Maddox has it in him to pull it off on his day. Cardinal is the one to watch out for as well.

Gulamhussain: It sure is going to be a tough race and that’s a good thing. My choice is Cardinal.

Zeyn Mirza: It is an intriguing race but I feel Maddox is the one to keep an eye on. He won impressively and looks at his best. Hills And Stars too looks a better filly.

Ashwin Mehta: I am not too certain as this is certainly a quality bunch. If I were to pick one though, it would have to be Cardinal for me. His debut run was sensational tackling severe traffic problems in a huge field of 21 runners is indeed a commendable task. He followed that up with another big hearted performance in downing haunting Fantasy while giving four kilos or so. I only hope he has the stamina to match his speed.

Anil Mukhi: Picasso is the best performed horse; however, he is yet to prove over distances longer than 1400 m. Should he not stay, the race could be between Cardinal and Hills And Stars as they are both on the upgrade.

Mohit Lalvani: I am the belief that Hills And Stars and Cardinal will be involved in a serious fight. This race itself is a touch-and-go affair but these two will certainly be involved in the finish.

Imtiaz Sait: I have three in the fray and Invictus, with his last victory, has come on well. I wouldn’t mind anyone of these to emerge victorious. Picasso is a formidable runner and so too is Hills And Stars.

Narendra Lagad: It is Hills and Stars for me but i would watch out for Cardinal who is in excellent shape.

Magan Singh Jodha: I feel it go to the wire. Picasso, Maddox and Hills And Stars the winner could be one of them. Its a close race though.

Rehanullah Khan: I pick Maddox. He looks a formidable stayer to me. Cardinal is an extremely handsome horse and Hills And Stars cannot be ignored either.

Dallas Todywalla: In my opinion, they all have to beat Cardinal. Cardinal is a nice, big striding colt and the way he comes from behind, devouring ground like he did in both his victories, does showcase immense potential. It’s Cardinal for me and his main rival should be Maddox.

Bezan Chenoy: Cardinal and Hills And Stars come about as the two top contenders for this year’s Derby. They have both won their recent races impressively and ought to be right there at the finish.

Vinayak: Hills And Stars has come on well and I am pleased with her showing in her latest run. She has peaked nicely and is ready to take on the formidable field this year. There are some really good horses in the fray this time and may the best horse win!

Karthik G: It’s an open Derby but the final standing should be between Picasso, Cardinal, Haunting Fantasy and Hills And Stars, not exactly in the same order though.

Nina Lalvani: I feel Cardinal has the best chance. He has done little wrong so far and he has been terrific in both his victories. Haunting Fantasy will look to revive their last encounter and we could have a very interesting finish!

Nazak Chenoy: I think it will be a close call between Cardinal and Hills And Stars. I would root for the filly, gender bias, you could say?

Adhirajsingh: Maddox’s latest victory puts him right up there. He is sure to run a big race. Cardinal and Hills And Stars are quite capable too and we could see a thriller in this year’s Derby.

C Rajendra: It’s an open race and a tough one too. After three years, the Derby looks so unpredictable. Each of the past three years had at least one horse who received a chunk of support. Phenomenale, Versaki and Ocean And Beyond all had good backing. This year is different mainly due to the superb performances of many in the fray. Cardinal, Picasso and Maddox are really good horses in good form. My filly Haunting Fantasy is in great shape too and has as good a chance as any.

Suraj Narredu: Both Maddox and Cardinal have been impressive winners and each has a good chance. My filly Hills And Stars is in great nick too and I am happy with the way she is coming up. She has great ability which she showed last time and I am confident she will do well.

M A Gallagher: Marauder stays genuinely and has gone the trip successfully. He carried the top weight and won well over the distance. He has the pedigree and he is bound to improve as well. However, Haunting Fantasy has been in good touch and realistically speaking the filly has a better chance.

Deepak Rajpal: My choice is Picasso. He is a proven top class colt and the way he sizzled in Mumbai was noteworthy. In Pune too he shouldered a heavy impost and beat his rivals convincingly. I would ignore his Hyderabad performance and have faith in his ability.

Prakash Gosavi: I am convinced Cardinal can stay the trip. He impressed in both his starts and with Prakash to guide him, he has the best chance.