Calcutta: The lush green grass on the winter track resembles a carpet, signalling the resumption of the big season at the RCTC ground. The 30-day cold weather season starts on Thursday.
The club officials are bubbling with confidence that the season is going to be a big success. With horse-strength at the Hastings stables shooting up to 350, from a depleted 200-odd during the monsoon season, the club management is expecting everything to fall into place. The figure includes 88 two-year-olds who will make their debut from the middle of November. Add another 25 to the horse-count who may arrive late in November for the season?s plum.
Understandably, there has not been any increase in the stake-money. About Rs 3.1 crore in stakes offered for the season is almost the same which was paid out last winter. The freeze follows a big investment made by RCTC towards live telecast of city racing and it could take some time before the club reaps the harvest through the new venture. The good news is, most of the RCTC race days would be shown live by almost all outstation turf centres.
The club has also reduced the race-fixtures to 30 days as against 31 meetings during the 2003-04 season. Again, the good news is that the number of events have been increased to 224 compared to 186 staged last winter. There would be seven or eight-event cards on weekends and holidays to achieve the targeted 224 events. Further, a record 96 trophy events will be held during the season.
Racing is also expected to be competitive in view of fresh arrivals from the southern and western turf centres. A quick glance at the opening day?s card does suggest so. But trainers Daniel David and Singh-brothers ? Vijay and Bharath ? are the ones to follow.
First race starts at 2 pm.
ACCEPTANCES
1. Sholay Handicap 1,600m (Cl III, Cl IV eli
gible; Rt 20-70) 2 pm: Reminiscent 60;
Eglevsky 58; Regal Fortune 53.5; Louis Cyphre 51.5.
2. Ivanoe Cup 1,100m (Cl III; Rt 40-70) 2.35 pm: Wishbone 60; Shadow Dancing 58.5; La Fantasie 57.5; Almara 57; One For Me 53..
3. Sun Lion Handicap 1,100m (Cl V; Rt 00-30) 3.05 pm: Amonita 60; Perfect Vision 59.5; Positive Thinker 58.5; Royal Contender 58.5; Beyond The Clouds 58; Castle Moon 57.
4. Amberdue Handicap 1,400m (Cl IV; Rt 20-50) 3.35 pm: Pipsqueak 60; Scent Of Victory 59; Mega Role 56.5; Calamite 56; Neela 56; Fighting Force 55.
5. RWITC Cup 1,400m (Cl I; Rt 80 & above) 4.05 pm: Dashing Chief 60; Indian Gold 54; Compassionate 53; Magic Mantra 53; Thrilling Proposal 53; Immaculate 52; Callisto 51; Crowning Moment 51; El Cid 50.
6. Red Chieftan Handicap 1,100m (Cl IV; Rt 20-50) 4.35 pm: Alashaan 61.5; Exotic Strides 61; Moira 59; Slikster 59; Ambitious Prince 56; Monalisa 56; Advancer 54.5; Empire Park 53; Magical Strike 53; Frontier Flame 52.5; So Kind 52.5.
Jackpot: 2; 3; 4; 5 & 6. Treble: (i) 1; 2 & 3; (ii) 4; 5 & 6.
