The upcoming HPSL Gr 1 Golconda Derby promises intense competition, heightened by uncertainty surrounding the potential outcome. While the spotlight seems to favour Leo D`Silva`s skilled trainee, Livermore, who clinched victory in the Golconda Oaks, the race is far from straightforward.

Livermore, the offspring of Speaking Of Which, appears well-suited for the challenging mile-and-a-half journey, boasting consistent performance. Yet, the path to triumph is not without formidable obstacles, with strong contenders like the prolific Truth, Mumbai`s formidable challenger The Godfather, and Bangalore`s own Champions Way, the triumphant winner of the Golconda 2000 Guineas.

Livermore boasts an impressive 50% victory rate across a diverse range of distances, showcasing her versatility from five and a half furlongs to 12 furlongs. With ideal speed and the ability to navigate challenging trips adeptly, she emerges as a strong contender for the upcoming prestigious race. Despite a tough outing against Synthesis in the Deccan Derby, Livermore rebounded with two wins during the current season, in the Guineas and the Oaks, ridden by regular jockey Saqlain. While Saqlain has shown improvement, occasional lapses in maturity could pose challenges to his smooth progress.

The Usha Stud Farm has a history of formidable winter season performances, especially over longer distances and it aligns with Livermore`s strengths. As D-Day approaches, the filly`s race performance and preparations indicate a promising trajectory. If all unfolds without hiccups, she stands poised to contribute to the Usha Stud Farm`s growing classic tally.

Truth, trained by Sreekant, holds a record of five wins in ten outings but falls short in classic races. A stout stayer, Truth demonstrated form and fitness with a recent win over a mile and a quarter in Hyderabad. The mile-and-a-half trip should suit him, considering his comfort over longer distances.

The Godfather, brought by Malesh Narredu, has shown prowess as a stayer, securing a win over a mile and a quarter at Mumbai. While his potential is evident, questions linger about his class for a race of this calibre, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the form of his defeated opponent, Regal Command.

Champions Way, trained by Satish Narredu and ridden by champion jockey Suraj Narredu, exceeded expectations in the Golconda 2000 Guineas. His trip to Chennai saw him beaten by Knotty Charmer. There are doubts about his mile-and-a-half capability. While a previous win at a mile and a quarter in Bangalore adds to his credentials, Champions Way remains a potential disruptor in the upcoming race.

Other notable contenders anticipated to perform well include Anab E Shahi, High Command, and Shadow Of The Moon. While they have demonstrated their capabilities occasionally, their progress has not been notably significant.