Martin Dwyer optimistic of more Classic glory

Preview: India, Sunday 11.20am GMT

Mumbai: McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby (Grade 1) 1m4f, 4yo

MARTIN DWYER, who memorably partnered Sir Percy to victory in the 2006 Derby, is optimistic of more Classic glory on Sunday when he partners star filly In The Spotlight (Sadakshara Padmanabhan) in the nation's premier Classic, the Indian Derby.

In The Spotlight won the Calcutta Oaks and 1,000 Guineas under Dwyer before the pair landed the Calcutta Derby last month.

Richard Hughes's mount Hills And Stars (Vinayak Gaikwad) and Pronto Pronto (Imtiaz Sait/YS Srinath) are likely to be In The Spotlight's main dangers according to Dwyer, who said: "She's beaten the colts already and won three Classics. She takes on the best, but she's got a great chance. She'sone of three or four with big chances and it's a strong race.

"Pronto Pronto's won a Guineas and you've got Hills And Stars who won a Derby in the summer, but my horse has the strongest form over a mile and half. She's really strong at the distance."

Explaining the plethora of top races in India, Dwyer said: "Each state has their own Classic, but this is known as the Indian Derby and is the biggest and probably most important race."

In The Spotlight will break from stall two of 13 and Dwyer, who will return to Britain for a week-long family break after the race, added: "It's an advantage being drawn low.  

"You soon come into a bend and she's a forward-going sort so if she jumps well it's a great draw. Pronto Pronto's got a pacemaker [Pronto Star] drawn in one so he'll go forward as well."