Versaki for Nanoli Derby

The Haresh Mehta-owned and Cooji Katrak-trained three-year-old is a firm favourite

PUNE: On paper, the grade 1, Nanoli Stud Pune Derby comes as a fairly open race. The prime contender is obviously Versaki, the Haresh Mehta-owned and Cooji Katrak-trained three-year-old who has won all his five starts including the Gr 1, Poonawalla Breeders' Multimillion at Mahalaxmi. However, it is his last victory over nine furlongs in a not-so-impressive timing that is making the experts a bit skeptical about whether he will be as effective over a furlong extra. The ones who are hoping to challenge his supremacy are Cabriolet, who after a spectacular victory on this track suffered a tame defeat due to the jockey's bad judgement about pace; Confiserie, the only filly in the fray whose last victory has raised hopes of a good show in Classics; and last but not the least, the Padmanabhan-trained peripatetic Classerville who is the proverbial joker in the pack.

First race at 12.30 pm.

Selections:

Volksvagon India Trophy - Div II (Class V; 1200m)
Salawati 1, Secret Affair 2, Beacon Light 3.

Jimmy Umgrigar Trophy (Class III; 1400m)
Blue Ray 1, Starfall 2, Talk Of The Town 3.

Venus Arising Trophy (Class IV; 1200m)
Tudor Regent 1, Alaska 2, Hammerhead 3.

Pune Police Commissioner's Trophy (For 3y, maidens; 1200m)
Nefyn 1, Sine Qua Non 2, Oh Calcutta 3.