The cash-rich Eveready Calcutta Derby Stakes has attracted eight runners. More importantly for RCTC, the chilly weather coupled with a glamorous card of nine races is likely to act as a lip-smacking lure for a large attendance to grace the Calcutta racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The management is hoping that the number will surpass the 15,000 odd who came for the New Year’s Day races. The five jackpot legs have a competitive air about them and jackpot-hunters are likely to throng the windows in the hope of a large scoop. 

The eight-horse Derby field has four runners of note who are likely to attract more attention than their rivals. They are Arjun Mangalorkar’s Aboline, Daniel David’s Fair Option, Attaolahi’s Sans Pareil and Pesi Shroff’s Bruckner. The last named has made a late entry into the fray as was earlier confirmed by the Dhunjibhoys during the Calcutta Gold Cup weekend. Bruckner is bred to stay till the cows come home (Ikhtyar-Allies Serenade) and can topple them all as he has improved immensely over the past few weeks, as is evident by his two smashing wins in Mumbai over seven furlongs and a mile. Moreover, the gelding will have the services of Paul Mulrennan – a brilliant rider who can get the best out of him. Locals n Calcutta will no doubt recall his superb ride astride Corazon at the end of November last year. Bruckner comes into the race without a run but has been given a thorough preparation of the Calcutta track.

As for Aboline, he needs no introduction. This astonishing front-runner is a winner of five races from six outings, including the 2000 Guineas here. His best win was the Bangalore Summer Derby where he got the better of Jacqueline – but only just. He is sired by Burden Of Proof out of Super Fan and the only question mark against his name is whether he will get the trip. Christopher Alford will no doubt go on a start-to-finish mission as he did in the 2000 Guineas and Bangalore Derby and hope for the best. Incidentally, Arjun won the Derby last year with Abs Fabs.

Fair Option ran Aboline close in the 2000 Guineas and will no doubt relish the extra half-mile. He is by Inner City out of Factual. His dam is nothing to write home about but his preparation for the big race has been thorough. He will be piloted by A Imran Khan who knows the layout of the track like the back of his hand.

That brings us to the lady competitor Sans Pareil. She is one of two fillies in the line-up and has already pocketed the Oaks. She is by Burden Of Proof out of Sans Eagle and ought to give a good account of herself in Srinath’s hands.

It should be quite a Derby as there is no clear cut winner visible. The victorious participant takes home a whopping Rs 60 lakh. Don’t miss it for the world folks!