The Derby was first run at Epsom Downs, Surray (just South of London) over one mile on May 4, 1780. There have been a few changes over the years, and by tradition, this one-and-a-half-mile long event has been contested on the first Saturday in June for the past several years. It was said that the ``world came to a halt'' when the Derby was run, and Parliament took a recess, but sadly this is no longer the case. There are so many other diversions these days (South Africa vs Pakistan, for example) that unless something drastic is done, there is a strong chance that thecontest might suffer a further loss of prestige.

For the racing of aficionado, there is no other race during the year quite like the Derby, the 220th renewal of which is scheduled for today. The anticipation during the build-up throughout the month of May, as prospective runners shine or fade away as a result of the trials, rises to a crescendo. It culminates in that magical moment at 3:50 BST on Saturday afternoon (8:20 pm IST) when 15 or 20 finely-tuned equines step into the gates in their quest for stardom. The name of the winner will be a household name for decades -- who remembers the runners-up?

As many as 21 were left in at the four-day declaration stage. Unlike in India, horses are allowed to defect till the last moment as a result of such external forces like a change in going, due to rain. It has been raining significantly and the going is likely to be, at the very least, on the soft side of good. It may even be heavy if the heavens open up between the time of writing and the start.

In suchconditions, it is vital for a horse to truly stay the gruelling trip. Any chink in the armour in this department may sometimes be glossed over on fast going, but is fatal when the hooves start sinking deep into the ground. Likewise, a horse needs to be very fit to triumph in the soft, in view of the extra effort required. Effectively, this would rule out half the field!

The inclement weather is likely to adversely affect the chances of such fancies as Dubia Millennium (presently the 11 to 2 favourite, to be ridden by Frankie Dettori) and Saffron Walden (the 6 to 1 mount of Mick Kinane), as neither is guaranteed to stays, although the latter is an improving type. Once the public choice, Beat All is now at 8 to 1, a result of his having pricked a hoof at work last week. Transplanted American Gary Stevens has the mount on this good-looking, but inexperienced, runner, who should stay but does not have a typical Derby winner's pedigree.

That leaves Oath, from among the best-backed runners, as an excellenteach-way choice at 7 to 1. From the in-form Henry Cecil stable, he is to be steered by champion jockey, Kieren :Fallon. Although his sire, Fairy King, is not famed for stayers, he has produced a previous top winner over the distance in Helissio (successful in the Prix de 1'Arc de Triomphe). Oath's dam, Sheer Audacity, is a daughter of the 200th Derby winner, Troy, and has passed on stamina to her previous offspring, notably Pelder and Sheer Danzig.

Racing manager for Oath is former rider, Willie Carson, who is certain his ward will get the trip. Willie should know a thing or two about winning the Derby -- he has notched up four wins to his credit!

Of course, there is confidence behind several of the other runners, else they would not be running their hearts out here. Notably these include Brancaster (Jimmy Fortune, 25 to 1), Daliapour (Gerald Mosse, 11 to 1), Housemaster (Willie Ryan, 10 to 1), Lucido (T. Quinn, 9 to 1), and Val Royal (Olivier Peslier, 14 to 1), the only French-gtrained invader. Zaajer(Richard Hills, 25 to 1) is not certain to participate as he holds an alternative engagement in the French Derby tomorrow.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that any cable TV channel in India will show the race, but BBC's ever-reliable World Service Radio will enable racing fans to hear live coverage, while on the internet, www.sporting-life.com has a special Epsom Derby site that is worth a visit.