Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks may prove a tricky race

There are many who think none of the nine runners in the fray for the Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks, popularly also known as the "Ladies' Derby", measures up to the "class" expected of a grade 1 race, and they may well have a point. But it sure looks like one of the most puzzling Oaks field in recent years, and if it culminates in a thrilling finish which throws up an un-fancied winner, that's all that may count for those who will throng the Mahalaxmi racecourse to witness it.

All eyes will be in Mrs Patmore, the winner of the Indian 1000 Guineas, who has lost only once, that too on debut. But don't forget she would have certainly lost to owner-mate Mekong Delta on that occasion if the winning post had not come to her rescue in time--and supporters of the latter would be hoping the extra half a mile would enable her to reverse the verdict. And even more important question that begs for an answer is what exactly happened to Temerity, who was expected to win as favourite on that occasion instead of her stable mate Mrs Patmore, who actually went to the post friendless despite the nourishing odds of 12-to-1. It is interesting to note that both Mrs Patmore and Temerity have been training together, perhaps hinting at trainer's Shroff's position that he regards both their chances are equally realistic.

And the puzzle gets only more intriguing when you add to this mix Aster Rose, a filly who started career at Bangalore before campaigning for the Hyderabad Classics, winning the 1000 Guineas but narrowly losing the Oaks there; and Silver Beauty (winner of the mid-day trophy last year), who started career in Mumbai before eyeing greener pastures at Kolkata, winning both the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks there before losing the Derby, and whose connections have taken a serious gamble by paying an astronomical sum as "final entry" to put her in the Indian Oaks fray. The presence of these two strengthens the skeptics' stand that the field this time is perhaps not of the quality that befits a grade 1 race.

And therefore, besides the ones mentioned above, I would also list Et Voila as an upset chance in this set, because the kind of mock race and subsequent work she has put in recently, her last loss on this track may be written off as an aberration. If she stays, she may run a rather bold race against the majority's expectations.

While I don't advise a bet in the Indian Oaks, only for academic interest, I list my order as Temerity, Mrs Patmore & Aster Rose, with Et Voila as the dark horse who can upset.

First race at 2.30 pm.

Selections:

Lt. Col. Govind Singh (VRC) Trophy (For 3y, maidens; 1400m)
Dixieland 1, Ben Sur 2, Manifold 3.

P D Avasia Trophy (Class II; 1200m)
Paramour 1, Sydney Harbour 2, Final Encounter 3.

Harrish Mehra Trophy (Class IV; 1600m)
Vice Admiral 1, Ice Angel 2, Glorious Hymn 3.

Gool S. Poonawalla Million - Gr 3 (For 3y; 1200M)
Miss Moneypenny 1, Ruffina 2, Wise Child 3.

Mirchi Million (Class III; 1400m)
Rosella 1, Eternal Sunshine 2, Miss Saigon 3.

Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks - Gr 1 (For 4y fillies; 2400m)
Temerity 1, Mrs Patmore 2, Aster Rose 3.

Tricumdas Dwarkadas Trophy (Class IV; 1200m)
Wild Jack 1, Lady In Red 2, Pollyanna 3.

Recommendations
Best bet: None
Good bet: Paramour (2-2)
Chance bet: Vice Admiral (3-2)
Upsets: Rochester (1-3), Summer Rays (4-7) & Et Voila (6-3)

Today's pools
Super jackpot pool: 2,3,4,5,6,7
Jackpot pool: 3,4,5,6,7
Treble pool: 5,6,7
Tanala pool: All races.