It's Derby time and the railbirds are busy working out the many permutations and combinations in their effort to pick the winner of the blue riband of the season, the betway Summer Bangalore Derby on Sunday.  11 star performers after Christofle has chosen to opt out following a minor setback will parade their skills in the big showdown at sundown on Sunday, the mega event offering a rich purse of Rs 98 lakhs to the winner.

Most racing pundits and a good number of leading pros are of the view that the Rajesh Narredu schooled Synthesis, who finished second behind Knotty Charmer in the Colts Championship Stakes is the horse to beat in the biggest plum. And the bookmakers too confirmed that Synthesis will top the betting board on what on cards promises to be an intense struggle for supremacy.

On a day the followers of form and many first timers are looking to corner glory, the fashion divas from the tinsel world will support the two fillies Jamari and Waikiki and the women cheer brigade reckons that it will prove to be Ladies Day out on D-day. BTC chairman, Shivkumar Kheny disclosed that the Derby on cards promises a fire to the wire finish. "The response to the big event is big and more importantly the professionals are pleased with the facilities provided and the big prize-money offered at this centre. The fact that it is an open affair is good from the punters point of view simply because the returns on the investments will be high and good," said Kheny, while pointing out that each member of the management committee has played a stellar role in their endeavour to scale a new high.

Former trainer and betway consultant Shivendra Singh pleased with the response to the mega event revealed that the club needs to promote and support the game. "You need to get in a sizeable number of new buyers who will pick up quality stock which will help raise the bar and good competitive racing will bring in  the crowds," said Shivendra Singh.

Synthesis apart, the Kolkata mainhope Destroyer from Patrick Quinn's yard is a frontline contender for the champion event. The bred in the purple got-abroad
colt after his satisfactory effort in the Colts Championship has improved most. Top `Knight'  Imran Chisty who partnered him in the second classic of the season will again guide the fortunes of the talented colt who has impressed most in the morning trials. " I'm satisfied with his preparation and he is ready to produce his best," said Patrick.

Smita Bajoria and Cheriyan Abraham, the owners of  Destroyer made no secret of their opinion that Destroyer is in with a good chance to land the Derby riches. "It is only his fourth run of his career and on that count he lacks the desired experience, but he has the ability to perform at the highest level and hopefully he will produce his best on the big stage," said Cheriyan.