Sir Cecil fit and ready, says Padmanabhan - By Shailendra.Awasthi | TOI
Posted on - 30 Jan 2019
Sir Cecil fit and ready, says Padmanabhan
Shailendra.Awasthi | TOI
Mumbai:
Sir Cecil, the horse everyone needs to beat in the Indian Derby on Sunday, is fit and ready to extend his eight-race unbeaten run according to his trainer Sadakshara Padmanabhan.
“There was some ligament issue but that has been taken care of and Sir Cecil is ready to win the race which is easily the most prestigious in a horse’s career in our country,” Padmanabhan, who became one of the most successful trainers in Indian turf history after completing 100 Classic wins when his ward Indian Pharaoh won the Grade 1 Golconda Derby in Hyderabad last Sunday, told TOI.
“Only a fast horse or the ones who try their best every time will have such issues. Sir Cecil is extending beyond the scope of his ability and setting his own standards. So he is bound to have such issues and he has to get over it,” added the 65-year-old who is also an accomplished breeder and owner having bred 2015 Indian Derby winner Desert God and other Grade 1 Derby winners like Borsalino and Indian Pharaoh among many others in his nearly three-decade long career.
The son of Japanese father Win Legend and Indian dam Elusive Trust, Sir Cecil has already won more than Rs. 3 crores in stakes money. Padmanabhan feels there are only three contenders in the reckoning.
“I have seen Adjudicate only on TV and she looked very impressive while winning the Kolkata Derby. David Allan, who rode her, says she is just below Sir Cecil in class.
“Then there is I Indian Oaks winner Roberta and Deccan Derby winner Star Superior. These four are Grade 1 winners and I think one of them will win the Indian Derby,” added Padmanabhan.
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