Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Jaandaar Leads Six-Horse Field Into Pune Derby Showdown
Six horses are preparing to race in the Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby on Sunday.
It is a major race for three-year-old horses over 2,000 metres.
Jaandaar has not lost a race yet, and some people think it is the horse to beat.
But this will be Jaandaar's first time racing this distance.
Iron Mirage is also unbeaten and is expected to give Jaandaar a strong challenge.
Rampage is another contender, ridden by Suraj Narredu.
Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha says the result depends on what happens on race day.
The reports say the horses looked sharp in their morning workouts.
Six thoroughbreds are set to contest Sunday's Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby, a Group 1 race.
The race is described as a 2,000-metre event for three-year-old horses.
Jaandaar is unbeaten and is widely regarded by the quoted sources as the horse to beat, though it will race this distance for the first time.
Unbeaten Iron Mirage is expected to challenge Jaandaar, while jockey Suraj Narredu will ride Rampage.
Trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha said the result depends on race day; the articles report that contenders showed sharp morning track work.
- Who
- Six thoroughbreds, including Jaandaar, Iron Mirage, Rampage and Avener, are among the contenders discussed.
- What
- The Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby, a Group 1 race over 2,000 metres for three-year-olds.
- When
- Sunday; the articles do not specify the calendar date.
- Where
- Pune; one article names Pune Race Course and another names Pune Turf Club.
- Why
- It is presented as a major feature of the monsoon racing season; no further reason is stated.
Jaandaar as the leading contender
Rivals and race-day uncertainty
Who is favored
Jaandaar as the leading contender
Trainer Pesi Shroff and jockey Suraj Narredu identify Jaandaar as the horse to beat; a separate preview also describes Jaandaar as unbeaten.
Rivals and race-day uncertainty
Iron Mirage is presented as an expected challenger, and Narredu says Rampage could be a top contender.
Confidence and uncertainty
Jaandaar as the leading contender
Shroff says Jaandaar has been consistent and its morning work suggests it is suited to the distance.
Rivals and race-day uncertainty
Shroff notes this will be Jaandaar's first time running the distance, while trainer Adhirajsingh Jodha says the outcome depends on race day.
- Race
- Villoo C. Poonawalla Pune Derby
- Grade
- Group 1 / Grade I
- Field
- Six thoroughbreds
- Distance
- 2,000 metres
- Eligibility
- Three-year-old horses
- Leading contenders named
- Jaandaar, Iron Mirage and Rampage
- Jaandaar
- Described as unbeaten and will race this distance for the first time
- Venue wording
- Articles refer to Pune Race Course and Pune Turf Club
