Calcutta: On an eventful afternoon of racing at RCTC on Thursday, Aashay Doctor-trained colt Pantazi was hard-ridden to victory by Yash Narredu, who clinched the 1,600m Calcutta Million by a short-head from a gallant Kyoto, and thus completing a remarkable hat-trick of wins.
The on-money favorite took over the running at the 800m marker and was traveling well until the final 200m, when Trevor Patel urged Neil Darashah’s Kyoto into a determined challenge.
Responding valiantly to his rider’s call, Kyoto engaged Pantazi in an intense battle, bringing spectators to the edge of their seats. In the end, Pantazi just held on in a photo-finish, capping off a thrilling contest.|
The afternoon’s action began with B. Mahesh’s public fancy, Happy Morning (G. Vivek-up), storming home in the 1,100m Astounding Handicap. The filly out-gunned the battling duo of Dubai King (R. Vaibhav) and Lahina (Vishal Bunde) in the final stages.
Sporting Trainer, despite a slow start, covered enormous ground to finish fourth and is definitely one to watch in the future.
Both divisions of the Soultline Handicap delivered gripping finishes.In the upper division, the consistent Fresh Hope from B. R. Reddy’s yard, unleashed a well-timed charge under Shezad Khan to collar leader Lucretius (Imran Chisty) close to home. Shezad’s tactical brilliance was on full display as Fresh Hope powered past the long time leader in the dying moments.
The lower division witnessed Suraj Narredu guiding his brother trainer Rajesh Narredu’s favourite Star Concept to a hard-fought victory. The top-weight reeled in runaway leader Indian Tiger (app. Ankush) in the final furlong, while Rhapsody in Green ran on to finish third.|
Rutherford Alford scored a long prized double during the afternoon. Firstly, Rutherford Alford’s 10/1 chance, Karanveer produced a sensational front-running display in the 2,000m Brave Dancer Cup, leaving the field struggling in his wake. Jockey Kirtish Bhagat made the bold decision to seize control early, opening up a massive lead, while race favourite Main Street (Yash Narredu) languished at the back, nearly 15 lengths adrift.
By the time Yash realized the danger, it was too late. Karanveer, making his first appearance after nearly a year, dug deep to hold onto his diminishing lead, ultimately scoring by over a length. The stewards took a dim view of Yash’s ride, imposing a Rs 50,000 fine for riding an ill-judged race.
Punters were in for another Rutherford Alford stunner as Aldila turned the 1,400m Magyar Handicap into a one-horse affair. Imran Chisty, riding with precision and confidence, dictated the pace from the start and never looked threatened. Despite not being fully extended, Aldila made every post a winning one, while the highly fancied trio of Casha, Aeropoli, and Into The Storm failed to land a serious blow.
In the concluding event, Trevor Patel enjoyed an armchair ride aboard Patrick Quinn-trained Three Little Words, who, despite returning to the track after eleven months, justified his status as the rage of the punters.
Sunday, 23 March 2025