Moonlight Romance for Derby
Jockey Richard Hughes has been in amazing form. He has not put a foot wrong in the last few months and in fact as late as Wednesday, he won two Group 1 races at New Market. Hughes inspires great confidence and on this factor alone, I am inclined to go with Moonlight Romance to win the Gr 1 Kingfisher Derby, the star event of the season which will be held on Sunday. The weather in Bangalore is cloudy with occasional spells of rain but this will have no bearing on the running of the race unless of course, there is a dramatic change. However, the two mains contenders of the race, Moonlight Romance and Sun Kingdom have both proved to be adept at handling soft underfoot conditions and there should be no worry on this score for the supporters of the prime favorites for the Derby.
Sun Kingdom has remained unbeaten thus far. He beat a creditable field in his season’s first run. His sparkling show in the Colts Trial Stakes which he won in a smart timing was breath taking. His ability to change gears and his classic temperament are the Hallmark of a champion. Though his trainer says that he is an ``emotional’’ horse, he appears to have a steady mind, remains cam in a race and relaxes beautifully.
The official timing for the Colts Trial Stakes was one minute 37 seconds but there is some doubt whether the timing was recorded correctly. Many of the speed rating enthusiasts have called up to say that the timing was a second slower than the official timing. But that does not harm Sun Kingdom’s chances in any way.
Sun Kingdom is by Royal Kingdom (Fairy King). Royal Kingdom already has a winner in this race through Holding Court who simply smashed the opposition in soft underfoot conditions. The sire of Burden of Proof whose progeny have proved to be mud larks is the same as that of Royal Kingdom. The cut in the ground even if it were to become more due to rains should not be an issue with Sun Kingdom.
Jockey Suraj Narredu has partnered Sun Kingdom on both the occasions and the winning combination has been retained. Suraj has been enjoying a great season but his temperament will be tested to the tilt because the mere presence of Richard Hughes is enough to get anybody nervous. One false note is enough to spoil the symphony.
Moonlight Romance’s dam Wandering Star missed winning this race as she finished second to Star Supreme. However, Wandering Star went on to win the Deccan Derby but her career was cut short as she had problems with her leg right through her racing career. She gets an excellent chance to make amends through her daughter Moonlight Romance who is no mean performer and has every credential to win the race.
Moonlight Romance lost a possible winning chance in the Fillies Trial Stakes as she ran into a wall of horses before getting a run along the rails. By the time she could get into her rhythm, Siachen had gone clear and this made a crucial difference to the outcome of the race. Her trainer Cooji Katrak has kept her in fine trim and he has changed his patented style of training by not subjecting the filly to grueling workouts. At the same time, he has not compromised on her fitness. Her last work out was eye catching and given the good quality of ride that she is assured of, whoever wins the Derby has to first beat her.
Arjun Mangalorkar trained Immense ran a noteworthy second to Sun Kingdom and this run prompted the connections to put a final entry at a whopping fee. Immense may not have a fashionable pedigree to back her claims but his performance is the proof of his pedigree for bigger laurels.
Hyderabad’s The Leader has the makings of becoming a top class performer. He forte is his ability to tackle longer trips. The Leader is also blessed with an amazing turn of foot. These qualities should ensure that The Leader can cause a flutter or two.
Ordained One from the stables of trainer Ganapathy is bred to stay as he is a full brother to the well performed Noble Prince. The extra trip will see him perform at a higher level.
The Kingfisher Derby has often thrown a big surprise. The upset factor may not weigh much with race goers who are sure to go with Sun Kingdom to land the biggest prize of the season.
Sun Kingdom has remained unbeaten thus far. He beat a creditable field in his season’s first run. His sparkling show in the Colts Trial Stakes which he won in a smart timing was breath taking. His ability to change gears and his classic temperament are the Hallmark of a champion. Though his trainer says that he is an ``emotional’’ horse, he appears to have a steady mind, remains cam in a race and relaxes beautifully.
The official timing for the Colts Trial Stakes was one minute 37 seconds but there is some doubt whether the timing was recorded correctly. Many of the speed rating enthusiasts have called up to say that the timing was a second slower than the official timing. But that does not harm Sun Kingdom’s chances in any way.
Sun Kingdom is by Royal Kingdom (Fairy King). Royal Kingdom already has a winner in this race through Holding Court who simply smashed the opposition in soft underfoot conditions. The sire of Burden of Proof whose progeny have proved to be mud larks is the same as that of Royal Kingdom. The cut in the ground even if it were to become more due to rains should not be an issue with Sun Kingdom.
Jockey Suraj Narredu has partnered Sun Kingdom on both the occasions and the winning combination has been retained. Suraj has been enjoying a great season but his temperament will be tested to the tilt because the mere presence of Richard Hughes is enough to get anybody nervous. One false note is enough to spoil the symphony.
Moonlight Romance’s dam Wandering Star missed winning this race as she finished second to Star Supreme. However, Wandering Star went on to win the Deccan Derby but her career was cut short as she had problems with her leg right through her racing career. She gets an excellent chance to make amends through her daughter Moonlight Romance who is no mean performer and has every credential to win the race.
Moonlight Romance lost a possible winning chance in the Fillies Trial Stakes as she ran into a wall of horses before getting a run along the rails. By the time she could get into her rhythm, Siachen had gone clear and this made a crucial difference to the outcome of the race. Her trainer Cooji Katrak has kept her in fine trim and he has changed his patented style of training by not subjecting the filly to grueling workouts. At the same time, he has not compromised on her fitness. Her last work out was eye catching and given the good quality of ride that she is assured of, whoever wins the Derby has to first beat her.
Arjun Mangalorkar trained Immense ran a noteworthy second to Sun Kingdom and this run prompted the connections to put a final entry at a whopping fee. Immense may not have a fashionable pedigree to back her claims but his performance is the proof of his pedigree for bigger laurels.
Hyderabad’s The Leader has the makings of becoming a top class performer. He forte is his ability to tackle longer trips. The Leader is also blessed with an amazing turn of foot. These qualities should ensure that The Leader can cause a flutter or two.
Ordained One from the stables of trainer Ganapathy is bred to stay as he is a full brother to the well performed Noble Prince. The extra trip will see him perform at a higher level.
The Kingfisher Derby has often thrown a big surprise. The upset factor may not weigh much with race goers who are sure to go with Sun Kingdom to land the biggest prize of the season.
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