Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby scheduled for Oct. 11 in Pune

The 42nd running of the Grade 1 Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby, sponsored by M/s. Cyrus & Adar Poonawalla in memory of the late Villoo C. Poonawalla, will be held in Pune on Sunday, October 11.

The race carries a total stake of ₹1 crore with the winner due to receive ₹60 lakh. The Royal Western India Turf Club, together with the Poona Cartel, will stage the event as part of a weekend programme that includes seven races on Saturday and eight on Sunday and a carnival featuring the Cartel Sundowner with gourmet food and live entertainment.

Only six horses are entered for the Pune Derby, concentrating attention on three in-form candidates whose recent records stand out among the small field.

Jaandaar, trained by Pesi Shroff, arrives unbeaten from four starts and secured victory in the S.A. Poonawalla Million last month. His morning trials have been described as encouraging, and he is viewed as a strong contender to continue his winning streak.

Iron Mirage, prepared by Prasanna Kumar and representing Bengaluru, is also unbeaten in four starts and won the Hyderabad Colts Championship. Observers noted that his recent track work suggests he has retained fitness and should be competitive in the race.

Beast Mode, from the stable of veteran trainer M.K. Jadhav, has won his last three starts and has shown steady improvement in form. Connections believe he could produce an upset on Derby day.

The Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby will be decided on Sunday, October 11, with the winner receiving ₹60 lakh from the ₹1 crore purse.