Hello folks,

This year's edition of the Golconda derby needs application of mind better than what is needed to solve the Rubik's cube. Most of the contestants has something going for them as well as a few negatives.

I am giving it a try.
Here I go:

1- ARABIAN PHOENIX: Finished full of running to run an eye-catching close 3rd on debut but disappointed in next, in which he ran off the board.
He is by a freshman sire Tenth Star and out of a speedy dam Zahour Al Yasmeen. Seen beating Towering Presence hollow in morning workouts. If they were genuine then he could upset.

2- ASHWA BRAVO: The best horse of the local centre. Has proven himself by annexing the Golconda 2000gn with ease. He did that by coming off the pace indicating that he could get the longer 12f trip with equal ease.
The entire notion about his sire's inability to impart stamina into his gets was dispelled with the fluent victory of Alluring Silver over the longer 10 furlong trip at Mumbai last Friday.
He just needs to stay well just like one of his siblings ( half brother Mantou by Teofilo ) did abroad. He won 3 races at trips ranging from 10 furlong to 16 furlong.

BOLD LEGEND: His dam is by mighty Elusive Pimpernel, the best horse to have race in India. Another plus is the fact his daughters have nicked well with Win Legend. Examples being dual-derby winner Angel Dust, multi-classic winner Hall of Famer and Sir Cecil ( B'lore derby ).

HIDDEN HOPE: He may be found wanting on class as most of the previous siblings were either modest performers or abject failures.

PEAKY BLINDERS: The fact that his stable's rider has opted for Towering Presence makes one less confident of his chances.

ROARING TIGER: Came from way off the pace to finish 3rd on debut ( 8 furlong ) suggesting that he needs distance to make his presence felt. He did prove that in his very next outing by winning a 12 furlong race. He did that despite racing in the centre of the track. His master has got his voice back after long last with the victory of Immortality in the Golconda Oaks. He may be seen hollering at his loudest post the race.

ROYAL PAL: He is by a sire who that currently very quiet ( his offspring ). Would do good to let him continue with his nap.

TOWERING PRESENCE: He is by the best sire currently standing in our country. That alone is a good reason to have a go. Will he live up to his name given? Come the race and once over, the answer will be delivered loud and clear.

VACHAN: Flew towards close of race to place an eye-catching close 2nd in the SI 2000gn. One would have expected him to stay the longer derby trip well on that show but sadly, he failed to do that in the SI derby. He just needs to reproduce the 2000gn effort to make a race of it. The dark one.

LOMBARDY: Had all the chances in the straight in her Oak's run but she failed to give the desired acceleration ( finished a tame 2nd to Immortality ). Could grace the board or may place if at her best.

My read and now my conclusions:

I expect Roaring Tiger and Towering Presence to duel it out for the race of the season with Ashwa Bravo hot on their heels. Vachan and Arabian Phoenix are the ones that could fluke.

I am all for Towering Presence.

Awaiting your presence along with your presentation.

regds,
Cruise