Forest Flame tipped for Indian Derby

Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

The Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby (Gr 1) will feature as prime event of Sunday's eight-race card at Mahalaxmi. For the first time in the history of this phenomenally popular race, which has always attracted more than 20,000 spectators for over 75 years, it will be run behind closed doors, "without spectators", owing to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic raging through the city.

Going by the racing form, three of 13 horses in the fray have excellent credentials, and it is precisely these three horses who have performed very well on the Mahalaxmi racetrack in their last run: Immortality, Forest Flame and Lagarde.

I expect Forest Flame to catch the judge's eye first.

First race at 2 pm.
Selections:

Zavaray S Poonawalla Million (Class III; 2400m)
Arcadia 1, Priceless Gold 2, Redoubtable 3.

C. N. Wadia Gold Cup - Gr 2 (For 4y&o; 2400m)
Salazaar 1, Wizard Of Stocks 2, Psychic Force 3.

Rusi Patel Trophy - Gr 3 (For 4y&o; 1600m)
Victorious Sermon 1, Cosmic Ray 2, Trafalgar 3.

Sir Homi Mehta Million (For 3y, maidens; 1600m)
Supreme Runner 1, Stockbridge 2, Arc De Triomphe 3.

B K Rattonsey Memorial Maiden Multi-Million (For 3y, maidens; 1200m)
Farell 1, Colombian 2, Mogul 3.

Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby - Gr 1 (For 4y; 2400m)
Forest Flame 1, Lagarde 2, Immortality 3.

R M & Rukmani Goculdas Million (Class III; 1400m)
The Sovereign Orb 1, Giant Star 2, Tanhaiyaan 3.

Mahalakshmi Million (Class IV; 1000m)
Fuhrer 1, Enigma 2, Super Girl 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: Arcadia
Upsets: Ahead Of His Time (5-1) & Tigrio (7-1)

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