As D-Day Beckons All Eyes Are On Murioi - By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Posted on - 31 Jan 2014
As D-Day Beckons All Eyes Are On Murioi
By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Mumbai: Most of the 15 contenders in the McDowell Signature Indian Derby went through their final spurts on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The report card of their efforts, which give an indication of their preparedness for the 2400 metre event on Sunday, shows that top gun Murioi is in good touch.
Murioi, in the hands of jockey Franco Da Silva, went over a distance of 1200 metres on Thursday. His overall timing was an impressive sub-par 1-20.05 minutes while he completed his last 600 metres in just 39 seconds. “Murioi went through his final effort on the inner sand which has heavy going. It suggests that he is certainly going to have a bold show,” said Rajesh Kadam, a veteran track expert at the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
Pesi Shroff ’s Jeremiah, a multi-classic winner and the biggest threat to Murioi, went over a distance of 1800 metres with a good timing of 2-09 minutes. He completed his last 600 metres in sub-par 41 seconds. “Though the timing isn’t that impressive, Jeremiah clearly retains form,” felt Kadam.
Altamaash Ahmed’s Alaindair, the winner of the Bangalore Summer Derby last year, completed 1000 metres in sub-par 1-07 minutes with the last 600 metres being covered in just 39 seconds on Wednesday. “Alaindair also worked on inner sand and his timings are a clear indication that he is in peak condition for the big day,” said Kadam.
Indian Oaks winner Isn’t She Special completed her 1200 metres journey in a fantastic time of sub-par 1-20 minutes with the last 600 metres taking just 39 seconds on Thursday. “She is in good condition and we are hoping for the best,” said her trainer S Padmanabhan.
Other prominent aspirants like Starry Eyes, Circle Of Life and Keukenhof were given light work by their trainers. “They want to keep their wards fresh,” said Kadam.
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