The Gr 1 Mysore Derby appeared to be at the mercy of Bharath Singh trained Castlebridge but for the interesting entry of Romantic Star which has given a new twist to the race which is to be held on Sunday. Apache Sunrise, the third serious contender in the race, did not win impressively his lead up race and his subsequent attempts to have one more race benefit was all washed out.

Castlebridge is a speedy customer whose blinding speed has been the undoing of many of his challengers. None can dare to pace with him in the hope of tiring him out because if they do so, they will be gasping before the race is even halfway through. The progeny of Burden of Proof has electrifying speed and it must be harnessed to good effect. The flat Mysore race course could help his cause though he has limitations as far as the extra furlong is concerned. I don`t think there is any other horse in India which can match his blinding speed over trips up to a mile. The only chink in his armour is the extra furlong as also his brilliance if not restrained, could also tire him out. For a jockey riding him, it is a Catch 22 situation if only because the pace at which he goes in front is critical for his success. In jockey Suraj Narredu, the champion has an experienced customer who is highly successful in classics among jockeys currently at the helm in India. He has been a consistent performer which is what should aid the cause of Castlebridge.

Suraj Narredu believes that Castlebridge is in pink of condition. In his last workout, he did not show too much aggression and settled down well, he said. This is the trait which is required in the race because a horse with the speed that Castlebridge has can expend himself in front if he shows too much aggression. Castlebridge hasn`t had any hard race as his task in the Guineas was achieved without raising a sweat. Since there was nobody good enough to even track his shadow, Castlebridge did not come under any pressure and he won as he pleased.

This time out there is at least two horses in Apache Sunrise and Romantic Star who will not go down without a fight. Apache Sunrise has lost only once in his career and it was against Castlebridge in the Colts Championship Stakes where he ran too poorly for comfort. He has a lot to catch up on Castlebridge. There is no doubt that he is blessed with loads of talent but his last win over a modest performer Michaela was disappointing, to say the least. Apache Sunrise gave a weight and a beating to Romantic Star at Bangalore during the summer season which enhances his value. However, on the last occasion, the two clashed, Apache Sunrise benefitted by the slow pace and could sprint beyond the reach of Romantic Star who had too much of leeway to cover in the final furlong. Apache Sunrise carries the burden of huge expectations as well. His performance is of critical importance to the first stallion of Poonawalla Stud Farm namely Excellent Art.

The big made Romantic Star still needs to fill up a lot physically. She looked much better than she did during the summer season and won her lead up race only last week over a mile quite impressively. Her forte is the ability to stay as her dam Moonlight Dancer was an accomplished performer over the mile and half trip. Trainer Padmanabhan believes that the filly has scope for improvement and hopes that Romantic Star would be able to deliver the goods.

Romantic Star who was rushed into the Fillies Championship Stakes went down by half a length to Manifold who then went on to win the Kingfisher Ultra Derby at the expense of Castlebridge who was caught up in the closing strides of the race. Given the fact that the extended trip of mile and quarter is more suitable for Romantic than her arch-rivals, her chances are as good as any. It won`t be a surprise if she benefits by her stamina and beat her rivals in the closing stages of the race. If the pace of the race is hot, it is sure to help the cause of Romantic Star who tends to warm up as the race progresses. Padmanabhan is known to be a good strategist and the race may not run in the one way may expect it to pan out. Since the trainer is not afraid to ask his wards to win the hard way by going to the front, the connections of Castlebridge cannot think of plan B by riding the colt in restraint which itself would be too defensive and self-defeating.

The weather has held good and the going is expected to be firm. One can hope for a fast and furious action.