Racing is such an intriguing sport that quite often horses which look invincible suddenly become vulnerable as the date for the big race arrives. Because horses are such fragile creatures that a small setback can put them back considerably. Satish Narredu trained Authoritarian, arguably the best colt in the fray, did not have an ideal lead up to the Gr 1 Colts Championship, the second classic of the season, the feature event of Sunday`s races. He missed action for a few days due to fever and how much this will have a bearing on his performance will give a clue to his prospects.

The progeny of Holy Roman Emperor, Authoritarian ended the winter season as possibly the best three year old of this centre while Eternal Flame had established herself as the best filly. Authoritarian had made a winning debut easily beating Eternal Flame and then gone on to win the Winter Million comprehensively beating Auriga. On that occasion too, Authoritarian hadn`t run for a long time due to an injury to his nose. He showed no ill-effect of the injury as he won the race quite capably from Auriga. Jockey Suraj Narredu believes that Authoritarian is in good shape to win though he feels that the colt may be short of one extended workout. However he exudes confidence about the prospects of the talented son of Holy Roman Emperor, whose progeny have been highly successful in the Indian context, having also produced the all conquering Be Safe. The fact that he is going into this race without a run benefit is nevertheless a worrying factor.

Then there is Sriram Komandur`s Auriga who has been supplemented as a final entry with a fee of Rs 6 lakhs which has swelled the stake money to Rs 88 lakhs, the highest for a race of this kind in India. The progeny of China Visit has not put a foot wrong and stretched Admiralty while going down. Admiralty has since been laid low with a tendon injury which is sure to keep him out of action for a considerably long period of time and spoil his chances of winning classics. Auriga has been working well and in the absence of Admiralty who gave weight and a beating to him, Sriram can hope that his ward is capable of beating the rest. Auriga is no doubt a tough customer and gusty fighter. What can work against the horse is the fact that relatively inexperienced Kavraj Singh is riding him. Big races are mostly won by big owners, big trainers and big jockeys and the jockey`s lack of big race experience may affect Auriga`s chances. We have tremendous shortage of good jockeys and there are only a handful of above average jockeys who are heavily booked.

There is Dallas Todywalla trained Phoenix Tiger who ran below expectations when finishing second behind Ostwind who has since suffered a setback. Phoenix Tiger has the ability and with the benefit of a race run, can prove a different proposition. The trainer`s confidence is reflected in him requisitioning the services of Colm D`Donoghue who has agreed to come to India in the middle of a hectic racing season back home in Ireland.

Vijay Singh trained Multitude is the most experienced campaigner having been a winner of four races. The progeny of Multidimensional won in stiff company over a trip reckoned to be sharp in his debut run in Bangalore. The fact that he is the only outstation challenger to have won in this company makes him out to be something special. His latest workout was outstanding. Young jockey Yash Narredu is to guide the fortunes of this Kolkata challenger who will be a live threat to all in the race. Whoever wins has to beat him.

Then there is the pair of Desert God and Valiant Sport from trainer Padmanabhan`s yard. Full brother to Torch Bearer, Desert God ran behind Auriga in his last outing over seven furlongs. He was three and half lengths adrift and he has to improve a lot to make an impact on the result. The extended trip should suit him and he has the talent to surprise. Valiant Spirit is no doubt a talented horse but he is still to mature. Surely much will be heard of him during the monsoon. How well he performs in this race will decide his future. As far as breeding is concerned, he is one of the best bred horses in the competition.