Triangular fight for 1000 Guineas

At the end of the mile trip, the Indian 1000 Guineas (grade 1) to be run at the Mahalaxmi racetrack tomorrow, may throw up an easy winner, but the first Classic of the Mumbai racing season 2010-11 is, as of this writing, being hotly debated in racing circles as a triangular fight.

This first Classic is open only to three-year-old fillies, and though ten of them are in the final line up, only three are being discussed in the market as main contenders. They are: Moonlight Romance, winner of the Bangalore Summer Derby, Siachen, winner of the recently run Bangalore 1000 Guineas, and Blackjack, who made a relatively late debut but has authoritatively won both her seven-furlong outings at Pune.

And while the racing fraternity is busy talking about the trio, the glorious uncertainties of racing may allow trainer Pesi Shroff to have the last laugh who has pitched in the fray not one, but three of the best fillies in his care: Elizabeth (Glory Of Dancer - Queenscliff), Eloise (Glory Of Dancer - Confiding) & Scarlette (Redback - Favoured).

Sunday afternoon at Mahalaxmi will not only showcase the best equine female talent in the country, but will also witness a glittering fashion show with Bollywood stars in attendance. There will also be plethora of prizes to be given away to racegoers in the general as well as members' enclosure.

MiD DAY brings you a lowdown on the top contenders, along with comments from the people who train them:

Moonlight Romance (4 wins/6 starts)
3yo bay filly by China Visit - Wandering Star
Owner: RK Wadhawan & Prem Tharani
Trainer: Cooji Katrak
Jockey: Suraj Narredu
Breeder: Usha
Stakes won: Rs 1,10,53,000

Cooji Katrak: My filly Moonlight Romance has a decent chance. Though I believe she relishes longer trips, she has to go through the mile trip of the 1000 Guineas (as part of her Classic campaign), and she will perform well. I think we will have to watch Siachen, but of course that doesn't mean Blackjack can be ignored. I don't care if Moonlight Romance opens favourite or not, odds don't affect the degree of my belief in horse. Besides class, condition and preparation, even luck of the race I think would be a crucial factor.

Siachen (3 wins/4 starts)
3yo chestnut filly by Burden Of Proof - Indian Mission
Owner: Dr & Mrs Vijay Mallya
Trainer: J S Dhariwal
Jockey: C D Hayes
Breeder: Kunigal
Stakes won: Rs 39,33,100

Jaggi Dhariwal: I don't know about the local Mahalaxmi horses, how good really they are, so I won't be able to tell you who will be my main rival. All I an say is that my filly, Siachen, has traveled well. Chris Hayes will ride her in the Guineas. I think she deserves to be the joint favourite along with Moonlight Romance. I am quite confident Siachen will win the 1,000 Guineas.

Blackjack (2 wins/2 starts)
3yo bay filly by Alnasr Alwasheek - Academy
Owner: Jaydev Mody
Trainer: Bezan Chenoy
Jockey: SA DeSousa
Breeder: Poonawalla Astonish
Stakes won: Rs 16,24,800

Bezan Chenoy: I had not planned to give her a prep race before the 1,000 Guineas, because I think she has had a good Pune season. Her last race which she won was less than two months ago, and barring the unseasonal rainy spell last month which I am sure posed problems for all horses in this race, her work schedule has gone on as planned. I think Moonlight Romance, winner of the Bangalore Summer Derby, will be the first favourite, not my filly, but I am positive Blackjack will run a very good race.