Calcutta: More than Rs 11 crore stake money has been advertised for the 34-day winter season, beginning from Sunday. The total stake has taken a quantum leap in view of the Turf Invitational races weekend in the first weekend of March, next year. The Turf Invitation Cup, however, will be run this time under a new format — opened to horses, four-year-olds upwards, nominated by the five turf authorities. The race in it’s new format gives a fair chance to horses who run into form late, and also to those who maintain their form and winning conditions beyond their Classic years. Four year olds, in the race, will shoulder 55kg, while older than those youngsters will carry 59kg, with fillies and mares entitled to a sex allowance of 1.5kg. It effectively means that In The Spotlight, the last winter’s multi-Classic winner, including the Turf Invitation Cup, will be the horse to beat in the inaugural edition of the ‘New’ Invitation Cup. Incidentally, In The Spotlight, is the top-money spinner in the country’s turf history. With nearly 600 horses, including about 170 two-year-olds, already stabled in Hastings, the season promises keen competition.
Sunday’s seven-event card, featuring the 1,200m Bahrain Trophy, bears a competitive look. The 10-horse line-up in the main event, includes the in-form horse, Blazing Spectacle. The first race starts at 1.15pm.
ACCEPTANCE
1. Star Flame Handicap 1,100m Rt 00-25 1.15pm: Spur Of The Moment 62.5, Zip Zap Zoom 61, Ijlal 57.5, Emerald Queen 55.5, The Gordian Knot 55.5, Shes Like The Wind 55, Break The Habit 54.5, Evening Mist 54, Seachange 50.
2. Desiree Handicap 1,400m Rt 00-45 1.45pm: Fankaar 60, Incanto Bliss 60, Roxy 57, Pine Valley 54, Stiling Veil 54, Happy Kingdom 53.5, Shakti 52.5, Storm Boy 52.5.
3. Mountain Lily Handicap 1,400m Rt 00-25 2.15pm: Bold Desire 62, Credit Swap 61.5, Sartaj 61.5, Vaani 61.5, Promissory Note 61, Ballantyne 60.5, Promises To Keep 60.5, Vence 60.5, Bhima 60, Generosity 60, Astylar 59.5, Gonna Be A Rokstar 57.5.
4. Fusebox Handicap 1,400m Rt 20-65 2.45pm: Azorian 60, Girl Of Flowers 59.5, Roman Centurion 59, Red Passion 57, Do Your Best 56.5, Glynneath 54.
5. Rising Star Handicap 1,200m Rt 00-45 3.15pm: Asian Rocket 61.5, Kayadhu 60.5, Sumangala 60, Calypso Girl 59, Benjamin 55.5, Rithambhra 55.5, Requite 54.5, Winds Of The Ocean 54, Colonel Boogey 53.5, Apical Finala 53, Secret Mistress 52.5, Moment Of Love 51.5.
6. Bahrain Cup 1,200m Rt 40-85 3.45pm: Mesmerizer 61.5, Blazing Spectacle 59, Must Be Magic 57, Ocean Myth 56, Generous Thought 55, Catchphrase 54.5, Royal Dance 54.5, Imperial Delight 54, Glorious Invention 52.5, Manhattan Rain 50.5.
7. Royal Challenge Handicap 1,100m Rt 20-65 4.15pm: Follow The Dream 60, Ocean Clipper 60, Secret Whispers 59.5, Alicante 59, Aqualina 58.5, Poker Princess 58, Royal Saga 56.5, Masteroftheseas 56, Memories 55.5, Devilitto 54, Fiorucci 53.5, Rappadan Glory 53.5.
Jackpot: 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.
Treble: (i) 2, 3 & 4; (ii) 5, 5 & 7.
