Strikes and Derbys in Bangalore go hand in hand. A few years ago the race horse owners and trainers joined hands to ensure that the Derby was cancelled. Now the syces are threatening to play spoilsport in support of their longstanding demand for wage hike. The matter has reached a boiling point and the race could fall victim of yet another industrial dispute. It may be recalled that the summer Derby had to be postponed for a similar reason. In BTC, there is no lasting solution to any problem. Ad hoc solutions result in problems coming to haunt at inconvenient occasions with amazing regularity.

Coming back to the Derby, the connections of Southern Bay decided to shift her to Hyderabad to take part in the Golconda Derby fearing that the Derby may not take place due to labour unrest. Southern Bay towered over the opposition and her last bit of work suggested that she is in pink of condition.

The connections had to quickly decide whether to stay and take their chances or run her in the Golconda Derby which offers better stake money. They wisely chose the latter option. The reason why Southern Bay was to be campaigned in Bangalore only was because she is a temperamental filly and trainer Ganapathy wanted to keep her fresh for the Invitation Cup.

The absence of Southern Bay in the line-up has made it difficult to pick the winner with any degree of confidence. Neil Darashah trained Maddox gets a golden opportunity. The progeny of Holy Roman Emperor, Maddox was an impressive second behind Field Marshal in the Bangalore 2000 Guineas. Only the other day, the other progeny of Holy Roman Emperor, Smashing won the Indian Oaks Since most horses running in the fray have an issue about getting the mile and half trip in the manner of a true stayer, Maddox should not find it too difficult to make his presence felt. The light framed Maddox has been raced sparingly by the trainer and appears to be in good shape to make his mark.

Ganapathy`s Forever Glory got the better of Practicallyperfect in the Golconda Oaks. Both have showed their liking for the gruelling trip. The latter is a final entry and this reflects the enthusiasm of the connections. Since they have tackled the Derby trip, there is no reason why they should not be prominent at the finish.

Irfan Ghatala has two talented but inexperienced horses in the fray. Toroloco won both his outings over seven furlongs in splendid fashion. The same goes for Zultanite. While there could be issues with both the horses getting the 2400 metres trip effectively, the fact remains that they also go into the race without adequate racing experience. One race run over seven furlongs and a mock race are surely not going to help. Though Becket won the Derby with just one run over seven furlongs two years ago, he had exceptional talent to overcome lack of racing experience. Also he had won three races by that time on different tracks.

Zareer Darashah trained Lad Lady finished second best to Southern Bay in the Oaks. She is bred to stay and is being ridden by Martin Dwyer which should help her cause. Nearness of You has not lived up to expectations thus far.

Maddox and Forever Glory go into the race as frontline contenders but the race can spring a nasty surprise.