Indian Derby: A graveyard for favourites - By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Posted on - 01 Feb 2014
Indian Derby: A graveyard for favourites
By Shailendra Awasthi I TNN
Mumbai: When top gun Murioi trots out in his bid to grab the biggest prize in Indian racing — the McDowell Signature Indian Derby crown — on Sunday, he will be up against more ‘hurdles’ than just equine rivals.
The blue riband event has turned out to be a jinx for public choices with just one favourite having won it in this millennium, perhaps the greatest filly ever to have graced the Mahalaxmi racecourse —Jacqueline, in 2010.
Among those biting the dust in the Indian Derby in the last 13 years were super thoroughbreds like Set Alight, Mystical, Southern Empire and Venus Arising, to name just a few.
Is this a worrying trend for those involved with Murioi? “Certainly not,” says Subbiah Ganapathy, an exclusive trainer for Murioi’s owner MAM Ramaswamy. “I believe in the strength of my horse and he seems to be in good shape and form. So why should I bother about things like the favourites jinx,” says one of the most successful trainers in the business today.
Those who have seen reputations destroyed in this big event, also don't believe in that omen. “It all depends on the luck of the race,” says jockey turned trainer Malesh Narredu, who had suffered perhaps the greatest debacle in this millennium when he lost the race astride superstar Set Alight in 2009.
“Since all the participants go for the big prize, it all boils down to how the race is run. You may get stuck in traffic, you may get a bad check which breaks your horses' rhythm. There are numerous reasons which can hurt your chances despite the fact that your horse is a cut above the company,” says the man who is again trying for the coveted trophy with Falcon this year.
DARING DARK HORSES
2003: Pace-setter Noble Eagle’s win in 2003 was a fascinating fairytale. Noble Eagle was asked to set pace for favourite Zurbaran. Setting a scorching pace, he was more than seven lengths ahead of the field. Noble Eagle didn’t fade away in the home stretch and cantered to glory.
2004: Darius Byramji trained Psychic Flame upset the applecart. Ridden by legendary Pesi Shroff, this 20 to 1 filly suddenly spurted to glory. Simply Supreme, the favourite in this race at 7/2, finished 13th in a field of 17 runners.
2008: The victory of rank outsider Antonios, available at 25 to 1, was like Zimbabwe winning the World Cup. Ridden by SA DeSousa, Antonios staged a rally in the home stretch to beat the hot favourite Set Alight by more than a length.
