Santissimo will have his task cut out in the Indian Derby

MUMBAI: Expect the unexpected-that has always been the case with the Indian Derby-the battleground of champions in the country's racing calendar.
The impressive Indian 2000 Guineas winner, local challenger Santissimo, is likely to start as the public's choice but will certainly have his task cut out, with all the regional Derby winners ready to challenge him in the HPSL Indian Derby, the feature of Sunday's Mumbai Races. The race will be run sharp at 5:45pm at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
Despite nearly six of the 16 runners in this mega race holding a fair degree of chance, Pesi Shroff's trainee Santissimo, in the able hands of champion English rider Oisin Murphy, will be the one to beat.
The biggest challenge to Santissimo is expected to come from his stablemate Psychic Star. Having enjoyed a three-week breather since her victory in the Indian Oaks, she should be fresh enough to pose a serious threat. Ranquelino, the Bengaluru Derby winner, is another contender who merits attention, though it remains to be seen if he can replicate his intensity just seven days after his previous triumph.
Meanwhile, African Gold, Casteel, and Duke of Tuscany are the others who could spring a surprise. There are nine races with the first starting at 2.15pm.
Selections:
1. Coromandel Gromor Million powered by Coromandel International Limited: Constable 1, Timeless Vision 2.
2. Keki D Mehta Memorial Million: Kings Gambit 1, Warlock 2.
3. Rusi Patel Trophy (Gr.3): Once You Go Black 1, Christofle 2.
4. Sir Homi Mehta Breeders' Produce Stakes: Oliver 1, Surrealist 2.
5. Thackers Eclipse Stakes of India (Gr.2): Zuccaro 1, Evaldo 2.
6. B K Rattonsey Memorial Maiden Multi-Million: Giacomo 1, Miracle Star 2.
7. HPSL Indian Derby (Gr.1) 2400m: Santissimo 1, Psychic Star 2.
8. In Memory of Enabler Million: Chardikala 1, Red Mist 2.
9. Rustomjee Golden Million Legacy: Betsy 1, Ekla Chalo 2. Day's best: Kings Gambit.