Calcutta: Trainer Rutherford Alford’s 16/10 favourite, Sativur (Imran Chisty-up), produced a scintillating performance to clinch the 1,600m Twilight Lady Handicap in emphatic fashion on Friday.
Chisty executed a flawless ride, storming past the Aashay Doctor-trained Aeropoli from the back of the field. The use of blinkers worked wonders for the Excellent Art gelding, who won far more easily than the verdict suggested.
Favorites falter
The afternoon began on a dramatic note as favourites faltered, leaving punters scrambling. Fulcrum (Md. Sameer-up), a recent demotee from Shafiq Khan’s yard, set the tone with a stunning start-to-finish victory in the 1,100m Sabre Dance Handicap, leaving favourite Jean Lafette (Trevor Patel) struggling in second.
Jockey R. Vaibhav displayed tactical brilliance in the next race, guiding Javed Khan’s Tres Bien (7/1) through the shortest route to stun the fancied pair of Chililady and Sky Hawk, with the latter suffering a bleeding issue.
Third win for Mathangi
Trainer Dr. Anil Kumar and jockey Ashhad Asbar teamed up to secure an effortless win in the 1,200m Adda Rossa Handicap with Mathangi, her third triumph this season. But Mathangi also bled during the race.
Narredus dominate
Rajesh and Suraj Narredu continued their championship dominance, with Cashalaika securing back-to-back victories in the 1,400m Wind Song Handicap. Favourite Don’tstopthemusic (Trevor Patel) ran erratically, finishing along the outer rails, while Sporting Trainer (Neeraj Rawal) produced a late charge to secure second place.
Patel sees success, finally
Trevor Patel, who endured a winless streak in his first three rides, finally found success in the 1,600m Little Lady Plate aboard Shellacking, trained by B. Mahesh. The 10/6 favourite outclassed his five rivals with an authoritative victory.