“It’s going to be a very exciting derby and a very open race,” said S Padmanabhan, trainer of Aaron The Baron. “According to me the Colts champion Castlebridge, Fillies champion Manifold, Perfect Storm and Olympia Fields are among the leading contenders. Olympia Fields and my horse too have a great chance.
“Most horses haven’t run the 2,000-metre distance. Their stamina will be tested. However, most of them are well rested and I expect a very good race,” added Padmanahan, who was felicitated by the Bangalore Turf Club on Saturday for surpassing 1000 wins.
Bharath Singh, trainer of Castlebridge, said he was quite confident of his colt but refused to label it has the favourite. “Some of them are saying Castlebridge is the favourite but I think things just worked according to plans in the Colts Championship.Sunday is a different day. It’s going to be an exciting battle and I’m looking forward to it. If I win, then it would be a Colts Championship-Derby double in Bangalore for me after 22 years.”
Pesi Shroff, trainer of Fillies Championship winner Manifiold, said he was totally geared up for the big day.
