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Thursday, 13 February 2025

Casteel keeps date with the Derby

Expectations were high from the Calcutta Derby Stakes’ favourite, Casteel, and the colt kept his date with prized event, and without giving anxious moments to his army of followers at the RCTC race ground here on Friday.

Babbu Moshaai 20 January 2025

Calcutta: Expectations were high from the Calcutta Derby Stakes’ favourite, Casteel, and the colt kept his date with prized event, and without giving anxious moments to his army of followers at the RCTC race ground here on Friday. Trained by the masterful Satish Narredu, and ridden with precision by Suraj Narredu, the even-money craze in the betting, gave his fans exactly what they had come for — a dominant performance.  
  Casteel, the Sans Per Aquam-Castle Queen son unleashed a perfectly timed charge from the mid-pack, and effortlessly downed the runaway Lady Sunshine (Trevor Patel) with 100 meters from home, and thus sealing his place as the undisputed star of the day.
  Credit must also go to Lady Sunshine and her trainer, Bharath Singh, too, for a brave effort. At one stage, the filly looked set to cause a massive upset, drawing gasps from the crowd before Casteel powered ahead to claim the glory.
  The supporting races in the 10-event race card — the Alokananda Stakes and the Champions’ Sprint, were no less thrilling. Aashay Doctor’s Morano, piloted by the ever-reliable A. Sandesh, was also dominant in the fillies’ field as she scored with authority, hinting at greater achievements in the weeks ahead.
  Meanwhile, Meropi, ridden by Yash Narredu, was the other one who dazzled in the Champions’ Sprint, proving she’s in the form of her life and a contender to watch out for. The afternoon was thus a showcase of speed, skill, and sheer equestrian excellence.
  The Cavalry Cup (Rated 1-26, 1,400m was claimed by Indian Jack (Imran Chisty), trained by Rutherford Alford.  A heavily supported first-timer, Indian Jack, impressed with a strong finish. Cristaldo (Mukesh Kumar) and MSG Fantasy (Ashhad Asbar) followed the winner home, but Indian Jack clearly stood out in the bunch.
  The Lt. General Jameel Mahmood Memorial Cup Div I (Rated 21-46, 1,400m: Into the Storm (Mukesh Kumar), trained by B. Mahesh, won the open betting race. The winner showed consistency and dominance. After tracking pace-setters, Kind of Magic, Star Concept and Emperor Ashoka, Mukesh Kumar released brakes, taking Into the Storm to a commanding lead, and victory. Emperor Ashoka finished second, with Dubai Station impressively coming from the back to claim third slot.
  The lower division of the Lt. General Jameel Mahmood Memorial Cup, Rated (21-46) 1,400m: Sensational (Suraj Narredu-up, trained by Rajesh Narredu, upstaged the course favorite Snowpiercer (David Allan). It was an impressive performance. Suraj utilised a smart gap, along rails, to secure an easy victory by more than four lengths. The one who caught the eye in the race was Annette (G. Vivek) who warmed up late in the race to finish a credible third.
  The Bengal Area Cup Rated (41-66),1,100m Liban (Ashhad Asbar-up, trained by Dr. Anil Kumar: Liban delivered yet another strong performance, easily overtaking Eagles Flight (R. Vaibhav) inside the final furlong. Liban’s ability to defy the handicapper remains a noteworthy issue — raising interest in his future placements. Eagles Flight showed she is also in great heart but lives to fight another day.
  The Army Service Corps (ASC) Cup Rated (41-66) 1,400m: Casha (Suraj Narredu): The Mumbai imports Earth (A. Sandesh) and Casha dominated the betting market in the race but Casha’s 5.5kg pull at the weights turned out to be a decisive factor. Casha, cruised past Earth to secure a comfortable victory.
  The Eastern Command Cup Rated (61-86) 1,100m: Outlander, trained by Javed Khan, was the public fancy and A. Sandesh executed a masterful ride — patiently waiting for a gap along the rails. Outlander seized the opportunity when Soup And Sandwich (Trevor Patel), the early leader, tired out in the final 100 meters. The move allowed Outlander to slip through the rails.
  The Red FM 93.5 Cup, Rated (41-66) 1,100: The final race of the day was a thrilling spectacle. Trainer Aman Altaf Hussain’s My Princess (Trevor Patel-up) edged out Mathangi (Ashhad Asbar) in a nail-biting finish, ending the day’s races on a high note.
  The day also featured a mix of dominant victories and exciting finishes. Key highlights included the debut success of Indian Jack, Sensational’s rail-skimming run, and Liban’s continued defiance of the handicapper. Outlander and My Princess also provided memorable victories, with tactful rides by A. Sandesh and Trevor Patel stealing the show.

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