Date:02/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/02/stories/2008030253061900.htm

Sport - Racing : Horse

What the professionals say

HYDERABAD: Professionals voice their opinion on the Indian Turf Invitation Cup.

L.V.R. DESHMUKH: Bourbon King is my choice.

S. PADMANABHAN: The race bears an open look and any one of the first six home in the Indian Derby can win here. Bourbon King and Retribution should give a better account of themselves and I hope the latter or Noble Prince wins for me.

S. GANAPATHY: Bourbon King should do it.

JAGGI DHARIWAL: Both Bourbon King and Hotstepper have worked very well.

VIJAY SINGH: I am happy with the progress made by my ward Regal Connection and he has travelled well. One cannot predict the result as the first six in the Indian Derby are so closely matched.

MALCOLM KHARADI: Having won the Indian Derby, Hotstepper should repeat, he is looking good and has worked well.

K.S.V. PRASAD RAJU: The Invitation Cup will be a close race. The main contenders are Noble Prince, Bourbon King and Hotstepper.

M.V. NARAYANA RAO: Noble Prince can prevail over Hotstepper and the rest. — Anil Mukhi