Calcutta: Aashay Doctor-trained Trakila (Trevor Patel) turned the 1,400m Mayfowl Cup into a one-horse spectacle at the Calcutta races on Sunday. The Western Aristocrat filly unleashed a dazzling last-to-first surge, storming from the rear of a four-horse field to sweep past the long-time leader Black Eagle with great ease.
One race earlier, Trevor had already lit up the track by steering Arti Doctor-trained Sky Force to a smooth pillar-to-post victory in the 1,100m Ocean And Beyond Handicap. La Dominate and Roman Spirit fought for the minor spots, with Roman Spirit finishing powerfully—definitely one for the notebook.
Between and beyond Trevor’s brilliance, punters were ducking for cover as outsiders kept springing surprises.
Trainer B. Rajender Reddy and jockey Gaurav Singh struck gold with a crafty, well-priced double through Amalfitana and Fortune Warrior. Amalfitana, ever consistent, clawed past the heavily backed NRI Fantasy in a gritty finish to capture the 1,200m Regal Connection Handicap. Godsend Divine also impressed with a strong late effort to place third. Fortune Warrior took the charge of the field from the outset in the 1,600m Right Ahead Handicap, courageously staving off a late surge from Made In Heaven. Favourite Soul Aquarian dwelt at the start and never fired.
The 2,000m Arabian Prince Handicap delivered the day’s knockout blow. Western India import Zarak (Imran Chisty), trained by S. Waheed, demolished the field by over eight lengths, leaving youngsters Goodwill and Champagnesupernova floundering in his wake.
The excitement rolled on, Clever Hans (Varun), from Vikash Jaiswal’s yard, produced a thrilling late charge in the upper division of the 1,400m Cambridge Handicap, collaring Noorie (Trevor Patel) right on the post. Favourite Midnight Blue was withdrawn at the gates.
Rutherford Alford-trained Hermod, sporting blinkers and a basket bit, sealed the lower division in style as Vinod Shinde timed his run to perfection for an authoritative win. Ignore Victorious Omen, who lost all chance after severe interference at the start.