Calcutta: Jockey Imran Chisty delivered a brilliant finish aboard eight-year-old Sir Baffert, securing a thrilling win for trainer Rutherford Alford in the 1,200m Azureus Handicap, after loosing a couple of lengths at the start, Chisty patiently guided Sir Baffert from the rear, picking the right gaps through the rails to edge out Dr Anil Kumar’s consistent runner Liban (Ashhad Asbar). Meanwhile, the favorite Sky Force—a four-time winner—mysteriously missed the break by six lengths. The odds on Sir Baffert shortened to 11/4, while Sky Force drifted to 13/10, sparking speculation.
The Point To Prove Handicap lived up to its name, with seven horses finishing within half a length of each other, the blanket finish truly a handicapper’s delight. Ace jockey P. Trevor produced a superb ride on Patrick Quinn trained favorite Madras Cheque, who stumbled after jumping out off the gates, thus loosing valuable ground, Trevor held his nerves weaving through traffic to edge out Shafiq Khan trained Chillilady ( P. Tajeswar) at the wire.
In the 2,000m, Beat The Distance Handicap, Suraj Narredu, masterfully guided Good Deeds to her fourth win of the season for trainer Rajesh Narredu, favourite Snowpiercer (Trevor Patel) fought on gallantly.
The afternoon began with trainer Anil Kumar’s MSG Fantasy (Ashhad Asbar) storming past a tiring Jean Lafette (Suraj) in the final forlong thus winning the 1,600m Ansbach Cup.
The 1,100m, Fiddler Handicap saw Shafiq Khan trained Dubai King, an impressive runner in his last start, scoring an easy win under Md Sameer. Meanwhile, the fancied duo Indian Tiger and Lahina were disappointed.
Vikash Jaiswal trained Zambezi (Varun-up), scored an encore winning the1600m,Supreme Princess Handicap with a well-timed run from the rear, collaring Toussaint in the closing stages.