With the Indian 1000 Guineas just round the corner speculation is high and the enthusiasm upbeat, amongst the racing fraternity. Indiarace spoke to the who’s who of racing and here are the opinions and predictions as told to our correspondent, Mahendra Mallya. Mr. Vivek Jain: The Gitanjali Indian 1000 Guineas is the race that opens up the Classic scenario. This year seems a lot more open and competitive. Moonlight Romance looks the one on form. She has had good exposure and has always done well. Siachen looks her main threat. Having said that, the others are not to be taken lightly. It is going to be a hard fought race no doubt and we are looking forward to it.

Jaydev Mody: I would have been supremely confident about my filly Blackjack had she arrived in Mumbai a lot earlier. The way she won her first two career races, she showed that she has great temperament in her. However, she arrived late from Pune and might be coming into this race a touch too early, considering she has had no prep run. I would have felt better if she had a race under her belt before this one. There is no denying that she is brimming with talent and she runs with a decent chance. Mr Champaklal Zaveri: From the past performances I an inclined to predict Moonlight Romance. She looks a good type and has the form to back her. Mohan Thakur:

The 1000 Guineas looks open but I think the winner should emerge from Moonlight Romance, Blackjack and Siachen. They are the ones in the reckoning. It’s difficult to single out any. Vijay Shirke: The Indian 1000 Guineas will always be one of my favourite races. This was the first Indian Classic that I won with Thumbelina. Then Jacqueline provided me overwhelming joy last season. Looking ahead, I think Moonlight Romance ought to be the popular choice. Eloise and Elizabeth are right up there too. Eloise is a lot more experienced but don’t discount Elizabeth, she has a big heart and is on the upward curve. KN Dhinjibhoy: Moonlight Romance is the filly to beat. But I give Eloise a good chance too. She is now a seasoned campaigner and her recent form makes me feel optimistic about her chances. Bergis Desai: I think it should be a fight between Moonlight Romance and Eloise.

I am aware that Moonlight Romance is a tough one to beat; But Eloise has peaked at the right time. We will wait and watch! Zeyn Mirza: Siachen has grown from strength to strength. She is a much improved filly now. She has obviously travelled well as is evident in the manner she moves. She is happy in the stables too and I personally feel it will take a real good effort to topple Siachen. Ashwin Mehta: A Moonlight Romance on Sunday would be ideal, wouldn’t it? Don’t get ideas, I am talking about romance with the lovely horses. On a serious note, this looks a competitive race. However, my vote will go to Moonlight Romance with Siachen and Eloise as her main rivals.

Madhur Bajaj: Hard to pick one with conviction. I am keeping my fingers crossed for my favourite trainer Pesi Shroff to win. (Pssst…Naren becomes my favourite trainer during the Pune season). Gautam Kothwal: Siachen has beaten Moonlight Romance in Bangalore and there is no reason why she can’t repeat. Siachen certainly is the prime contender particularly after her facile victory in the Bangalore 1000 Guineas. Blackjack lacks in experience, yet she could prove a handful. Jaggy Dhariwal: Siachen is absolutely fine. She had her share of problems and now it is a thing of the past. She has travelled well and her recent work was more than satisfactory. Hayes was happy with the way she worked. She has beaten Moonlight romance before and she is in even better condition now. I don’t see any possibility of a reversal.

I am confident she will do it again. Cooji Katrak: My filly Moonlight Romance is shaping up well. I am satisfied with the way she has come up. I am confident that she will give a good account of herself. Pesi Shroff: We all have to beat Moonlight Romance. She is a good filly and has the form. Eloise is also a strong filly and should be a live contender. Elizabeth has a good scope for improvement and she could put her best foot forward. Scarlette has not lived up to her potential. Hope she gives her best on the day. Imtiaz Sait: I think it’s going to be Moonlight Romance and Siachen who will be the main choices. Illustrious can spring a surprise too. Narendra Lagad: I feel Moonlight Romance has it in her to stay her own. Blackjack, Elosie and Siachen are her main threats.

Rehanullah Khan: Since Moonlight Romance and Siachen have had a taste of Classic wins, I would fancy their chances more. Siachen, despite a layoff, fared very well in a tough race. Hence I give her the edge over Moonlight Romance. Dallas Toddywalla: siachen has an edge. Moonlight Romance, Blackjack and Eloise should provide a fitting finish. Hormuz Antia: Moonlight Romance is my first choice. Blackjack certainly has a good chance. If there is an upset, it will come from Illustrious. Faisal Abbas: If all goes well it should be Moonlight Romance. Siachen though, is a live threat. Suraj Narredu: Moonlight Romance is looking well. She has further improved after her last run. I am confident she will run a big race. CD Hayes: Siachen has done everything right.

I couldn’t be happier with her progress. She has certainly travelled well and I am looking forward keenly to continue with her successful run. She has beaten Moonlight Romance before, now I am anxious to beat her again and this time in her territory. NG McCullagh: I have worked Illustrious on the morning track and she is pretty speedy and in great shape. She won her lead up well and clocked a decent timing too. I am looking forward to get the best out of her when it most matters. NHS Mani: It is a great race for us at the RWITC. An Indian Classic is always a big day. Jacqueline created a world record last year and that has showcased the Indian Races very well. I am sure will be very exciting.

As for my personal opinion, all I can say is that clichéd statement –‘may the best horse win’. Riyaz Khan: I am inclined to tilt towards the western India candidates. Blackjack and Moonlight Romance should represent our centre the best. However, if Siachen has travelled well, she is in the league to trouble the best. Deepak Rajpal: Moonlight Romance looks the pick of the competitive lot. Her last start victory was surely eye-catching. Whoever beats her deserves to win. Ram Zodge: To me it looks a toss up between Moonlight Romance and Blackjack. Both looked good in their preparatory workouts.