Calcutta: Two trainers and three jockeys hogged the limelight with a brace each at RCTC on Saturday.
Trainer Aashay Doctor’s recent western India import Misty (Antony Raj-up), backed into favouritism, made every post a winning one in the day’s feature — the 1,200m Scruples Cup. Misty held off a late surge from Dr. Anil Kumar-trained Mathangi (J.H. Arul) to score narrowly, while stablemate and ante-post favourite Bharat cut a disappointing figure, finishing fifth.
The victory completed a double for Aashay and Antony, who had earlier struck with short-priced favourite, Global Fashion, despite drifting out wide in the straight before beating Aretha in the opener.
Imran Chisty also bagged a brace, starting with Rutherford Alford-trained Swift Lady in the 1,200m Best Of The Blues Handicap. Make a note of Jean Lafette, who was kept far too back during the early stages before unleashing a terrific late burst to go down by less than a length.
Later, Chisty guided S.Waheed trained Victorious Omen to victory in the 1,400m Quincy Handicap, thanks to the withdrawal of hot favourite Rosalia. In the same race, Sporting Trainer finished strongly from way back to place an impressive second.
Both divisions of the Nightjar Handicap were claimed by the trainer-jockey combo of Sabeel Shariff–Vishal Bunde. In the upper division, the favourite City Of Joy scored a fighting win over Kindred Spirit. The pair completed their double with Bundle of Charm, who upstaged the public-choice, Oishika, in a close finish.
The day ended with apprentice Aleemuddin guiding Good Deeds, trained by Rajesh Narredu, to a bold start-to-finish victory in the 2,000m Vanitas Handicap. The winner staved off Jahzara’s and Champagnesupernova’s thrilling challenge in a three-way finish.