Zuccarelli for Pune Derby

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The curtain comes down on the truncated Pune racing season on Sunday with bumper ten-race card framed for the occasion. The Pune Derby (Gr 1), to be run over the trip of ten furlongs, is the feature event.

Among the dozen three-year-olds in the fray, Queen O' War (A Sandesh up) is the only filly. She, along with Zuccarelli (P S Chouhan up), appeal as prime contenders for the top spot. The duo, however, may face a stiff challenge from the Bangalore challenger A Star Is Born (David Egan up). Others, who may show dramatic improvement and therefore deserve a mention, are Alastair and Sunrise.

Despite what promises to be an exciting contest, I feel the Pesi Shroff-trained Zuccarelli, who annihilated a small field in his preparatory race last Sunday, should assert his class and win the Pune Derby.

First race at 12.30 pm
Selections:

Ruffina Trophy - Div II (Class V; 1400m)
Jubilant Journey 1, Bold Advance 2, Hellbent 3.

Pioneer Plate (Class II; 1800m)
Giant Star 1, Arcadia 2, Successor 3.

Jeremiah Plate - Div I (Class IV; 1200m)
Excelerator 1, The Awakening 2, Sovereign Master 3.

Noshir & Dolly Dhunjibhoy Sprint Million (Gr 3) (For 4y&O; 1200m)
Iron Age 1, St Andrews 2, Gazino 3.

Conrad Pune Cup (Class III; 1400m)
Fast rain 1, Tigrio 2, Exotique 3.

F D Wadia Trophy (Gr 3) (For 3y; 1400m)
Lit 1, Presidential 2, Petronia 3.

Ruffina Trophy - Div I (Class V; 1400m)
Love Warrior 1, Indian Crown 2, Midas Touch 3.

The Pune Derby (Gr 1) (For 3y; 2000m)
Zuccarelli 1, A Star Is Born 2, Queen O' War 3.

Aquilo Plate (Class IV; 1600m)
Mystical Rose 1, Lord Byron 2, Commandment 3.

Jeremiah Plate - Div II (Class IV; 1200m)
Monarchy 1, Pure 2, Windy City 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Iron Age (4-1)
Upset: Arabian Phoenix (9-1)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Jackpot pool: I - 3,4,5,6,7; II - 6,7,8,9,10
Treble pool: I - 2,3,4; II - 4,5,6; III - 8,9,10
Tanala pool: All races.