Calcutta: Neil Darashah-trained Togo (Suraj Narredu up) produced a polished performance to lift the 1,600m Fortune Cup, the main attraction here on Friday.
Togo was positioned behind the leader, Don’tstopthemusic, until the final bend before unleashing a fluent gallop to score a facile victory. The win was doubly significant as it marked Suraj Narredu’s 2,500th career success—a milestone achieved by only a select few riders.
Suraj continued his fine form in the Malpensa Cup over 2,400 metres, where Deepesh Narredu-trained Black Diamond showed grit and class. Despite carrying a stiff 60kg, the filly produced a strong late run to collar Garth in the shadows of the post. The favourite Sanaya, who dictated terms early, faded out, entering the straight.
Earlier, Deepesh Narredu struck with outsider Ruling Star in the Kamilah Handicap over 2,000 metres. Ridden with determination by R.S. Bhati, the six-year-old bay gelding held off a strong, but late challenge from the bottom-weighted Whirlwind (M.S. Deora), while favourite Golden Warrior finished a disappointing third.
The afternoon began well for punters as Javed Khan-trained, course-favourite Memphis (M.S. Deora) scraped home narrowly. Elusive Ranger (Chethan Gowda), a rank outsider, caught the eye in defeat and is worth following.
Veteran trainer Vijay Singh showcased his trademark touch with youngsters when his charge Divine Gift made a winning debut as a four-year-old in the 1,600m Acrider Handicap, scoring decisively in the hands of Antony Raj. The favourite Righteous, a four-year-old, perhaps, needed the run.
Garth’s narrow defeat, half-an-hour earlier, may have brought about some disappointment in the Mukesh Kumar's camp but the jockey bounced back to winners’ enclosure - producing a sparkling finish aboard Aashay Doctor-trained Only Dreams. Mukesh made his ward slip through the rails to down the favourite Paulite Warrior (S. Antony Raj) in the upper division of the Violin Handicap.
The day concluded emphatically as smart money flowed for Sabeel Shariff-trained Cash N Run (Vishal Bunde). The six-year-old gelding stormed to a seven-length victory in the lower division of the Violin Handicap.
The day’s highlight being trainer Deepesh Narredu and jockey Suraj Narredu notching up a double apiece.