The turf talk these days in racing circles is all about the forthcoming race of the century - The Blue Riband Classic of Power. Safon, a green horse on his first outing is pitted against Maraj, the odds-on, pedigreed thoroughbred winner of all his races.

Safon is a desperate entry since Rawic, the stable star has lost all his races and is thoroughly lame, perhaps to be retired to the luxury of the wilderness.

So, this ingenious but debatable pick of a dashing cavalier of cavalry, a spirited fighter and a brilliant big game hunter. But nagging doubts are now emerging about his tempestuous temperament and his suitability on this unfamiliar turf. Punters are wary, holding back their bets.

The paradox is that most of Safon’s handlers are blinkered and "also rans" unable to study and evaluate ground conditions. Yet, they appear to be buoyant and excited and in a winning frame of mind. What if the horse bucks off and unsaddles the rider galloping to the winning post never to return to the stable? An arbitrary victory disconcerting all concerned!