Calcutta: Asking for a three-point penalty before the race was a gutsy decision but Dubai Princess justified her trainer Patrick Quinn’s confidence with a stunning victory in the Eveready Metropolitan, the feature event here on Tuesday.
Sent off at 10/1, the Gusto filly validated not only Quinn’s request for proving her worth on the track, she also raised hope for a brighter future at the National level. Whispers are already in the air that Dubai Princess may earn the RCTC Nomination for the Seven-furlong Suresh Mahindra Trophy – in the Chennai Invitation, early next month.
Ridden by the lightweight Mumbai jockey K. Nazil, she unleashed a powerful turn of foot from the mid-pack, to effortlessly take the measure of the favourite, Global Influence (Suraj Narredu), who faltered without much resistance.
It was an afternoon of heartbreak for punters and triumph for the bookies as only two favourites delivered the goods in the day’s six-event race card. The unpredictable day saw thrilling comebacks, tactical Masterstrokes and shock defeats, as well.
The action kicked off with the Eveready Ultima Cup, a race for maiden three year olds, where two well-fancied runners — Live It Love It and Simran’s Star— attracted solid support. Simran’s Star took charge in the straight, but just as victory seemed within her reach, Magnifico stormed down the track on extreme outside to snatch the win in breathtaking fashion.
Jockey R. Vaibhav had to work on the Aashay Doctor trained colt from the start, after being six lengths adrift early on. But once he got into his stride, there was no stopping him. Make a note of Keitaro who was impressive in defeat.
Then came the 1,400m, Sholay Handicap, and what a race it was. Trainer Neil Darashah’s Zambezi (Vishal Bunde) put on a show, producing a jaw-dropping last-to-first burst that left his rivals stunned. The removal of blinkers worked wonders as the 12/1 shot, sliced through the field like a hot knife through butter. This well-bred runner certainly looks like one to follow in the coming weeks. The favourite Made In Heaven was a spent force before the race took a serious turn.
The Prince Blossom Handicap, a no-whip affair, witnessed front-running dominance by Rutherford Alford’s Lucretius, Jockey Chisty wasted no time in sending Lucretius to the lead, and from there, it was a one-horse show. The gelding relished the early advantage, cruising home unchallenged while most of the 13 runners merely were out for an outing.
The1, 600m, Ocean Way Handicap saw the biggest shock of the day. Rutherford’s hot favorite Indian Jack was backed as if defeat was out of question, but he failed to fire when it mattered — finishing a disappointing fourth. Instead, the race turned into a gripping due between Banksy and Amalfitana, with Shafiq Khan’s charge Banksy showing guts and grit to bag his second win of the season.
And finally, the curtain fell with a dazzling display in the Cupid Handicap. Sensational, the filly from Rajesh Narredu’s yard, made it three wins in the season, and she did it with ridiculous ease. Suraj Narredu dictated the pace from the start to cruise to a commanding six-length victory over
Norwegian Wood. It was a performance which may help her complete a hat-trick in the weeks ahead.