Calcutta: The Calcutta Colts Trial Stakes turned into a one-horse show as Aashay Doctor’s Pantazi (Trevor Patel-up) made the other three contestants look ordinary. He jumped out smartly, dictated terms throughout, and stormed home unchallenged in brilliant timing. Neil Darashah’s Victoria Cross (Neeraj Rawal) finished from the rear to occupy second berth, while the much-hyped Gold Empire never landed a blow and trailed in last.
But the day truly belonged to Trevor Patel, who set the track alight with a sparkling four-timer. His crowning moment came in the 1,400m Stewards Cup, where he conjured a brilliant ride on Patrick Quinn-trained Dubai Princess.
Missing the kick by a couple of lengths, the filly looked in trouble early, but Trevor’s ice-cool patience paid off as she unleashed a breathtaking run in the straight to mow down her rivals. It has been reliably learnt that the connections have decided to take her to Pune for the Dolly and Khushru Sprint Million on October 12.
Trevor opened his account on Deepesh Narredu-trained Heart, who coasted to an easy victory in the 1,800m Arezzo Handicap, marking herself out for bigger prizes. He then guided the Arti Doctor-trained Main Street to a gutsy win in the 2,000m Exception Handicap, outbattling Great Guns in a thrilling finish.
The afternoon began with Sabeel Shariff-trained City Of Joy (Vishal Bunde) justifying support with a fluent pillar-to-post victory in the 1,100m Immaculate Handicap (a no-whip race).
Rutherford Alford-trained Celtic Harlequin (Imran Chisty) scored yet another victory in the upper division of the 1,200m Super Sunrise Handicap, despite losing valuable ground at the start. The seven year old is in line for a hat-trick.
The day concluded with Aashay Doctor’s Cat Whiskers (R. Vaibhav) emerging victorious, overpowering the battling duo of Trillionaire and Donna Sienna.
Notable runners:
Main Street , Victoria Cross and Rodrigo,