Calcutta: Trainer Neil Darashah’s King Louis produced a stirring late run to lift the 1,400m Aperitivo Cup, the feature event at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club on Thursday.
Ridden by leading jockey Suraj Narredu, the seven-year-old unleashed a powerful gallop in the final furlong. He collared the runaway Charismatic (Vinod Shinde) right at the winning post.
King Louis was held in mid-division for most of the journey. He produced his best exactly when it mattered.
In the same race, Abhicandra finished a fast-closing third. He was switched late and flew home to finish an impressive third. The effort suggests that a mile could suit him well.
Suraj had earlier struck in the day’s opener. He guided Rutherford Alford’s Swift Lady to a comfortable pillar-to-post victory over Dubai Prince.
Apprentice N. Darshan rode a confident race on Shafiq Khan-trained Superlative to land the Toroloco Handicap. Drawn on the extreme outside, he improved steadily through the race. Darshan timed his challenge perfectly in the final furlong to score impressively.
Suraj completed a popular treble in style. He won the Dare To Dream Handicap over 2,000 metres aboard Vijay Singh-trained Divine Gift. Showing excellent judgement of pace, he produced the winning run in the straight to outfight Garth.
In the 1,100m Prince Blossom Cup for three-year-old maidens, Aashay Doctor-trained Cielo (Trevor Patel) showed a clean pair of heels to his rivals to score in good style. Favourite Princess S ran green but should improve with this outing.
Trainer S. S. Attaollahi’s Xanthe, ridden by Hindu Singh, rallied strongly from mid-division to win the 1,600m Colombiana Handicap from the runaway Booster Shot. Favourite Mindful and the well-supported Aeropoli both disappointed.