It is very surprising that no filly is in the fray for the blue riband of the season, the Cubic Mysore Derby which has attracted six colts including the winner of the 2000 Guineas winner, John Wick from Chennai-based trainer James McKeown's yard and the runner-up Bourbonaire from the stables of Satish Narredu to be piloted by top Indian jockey Suraj Narredu.

In what appears to be a two-horse race, the connections of local Hero Aabushan who failed to make an impression in the Colt's championship are of the view that it was one bad day at the office for the local hopeful and that he will prove to be a different proposition over the 2000 metres classic journey. 

Despite the fact that Bourbonaire was seen finishing on fastest at end while running second behind the favourite John Wick in the second classic of the season, most pundits are of the view that over the extended trip Bourbonaire may again find the unbeaten John Wick too hot to handle. The French saddle artiste, J Moulin who partnered the best colt in the Colts is again listed to guide the fortunes of the favourite and Moulin is confident that the smart and handsome classic winner will be the one to beat in the rich event sponsored by KN Suresh Kumar, the chairman of the host club.
 
After his maiden classic success here, John Wick retains form and fitness and taking into account that the Derby trip is well within his compass, he tops the list of the bookmakers too and is certain to start the favourite in the blockbuster event which has generated a big buzz in the city of places. 

Bourbonaire and Aabushan are the only two threats to the James' ward who looks fit and ready to maintain his winning streak, while adding second classic success before he shifts back to his parent-centre (Chennai).