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 201011 is as of this writing being hotly debated in racing circles as a triangular fight This first Classic is open only to threeyearold 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 sevenfurlong 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 amp 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 wins6 starts 3yo bay filly by China Visit Wandering Star Owner RK Wadhawan amp Prem Tharani Trainer Cooji Katrak Jockey Suraj Narredu Breeder Usha Stakes won Rs 11053000 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 doesnt mean Blackjack can be ignored I dont care if Moonlight Romance opens favourite or not odds dont 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 wins4 starts 3yo chestnut filly by Burden Of Proof Indian Mission Owner Dr amp Mrs Vijay Mallya Trainer J S Dhariwal Jockey C D Hayes Breeder Kunigal Stakes won Rs 3933100 Jaggi Dhariwal I dont know about the local Mahalaxmi horses how good really they are so I wont 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 1000 Guineas Blackjack 2 wins2 starts 3yo bay filly by Alnasr Alwasheek Academy Owner Jaydev Mody Trainer Bezan Chenoy Jockey SA DeSousa Breeder Poonawalla Astonish Stakes won Rs 1624800 Bezan Chenoy I had not planned to give her a prep race before the 1000 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