Kolkata: It is now the turn of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) to host the prestigious Invitation Cup, which is held by rotation. The RCTC has been decked up like a bride with a coat of fresh paint adding touch to the beauty of the race course with lawns looking spick and span. The RCTC has taken great pains to ensure that delegates, owners, trainers and jockeys enjoy the hospitality and generosity to make this Invitation Cup weekend a grand success.For all the efforts put in to make this event a memorable one, one must thank the officials, especially Amit Chaturvedi, vice-president racing, for his role.
Coming to the day’s feature event, the Zavaray S Poonawalla Sprinters’ Cup Grade-I has a healthy lineup of 11 speed merchants from across the country who would be looking to wear the winner’s sash as the fastest horse in the circuit. Ascoval from the stable of Pradeep Anniah is the first choice to sprint away in the hands of Trevor Patel. Magileto will be right there to make the finish interesting.
The second graded race is the running of the Dr. MAM Ramaswamy Chettiar of Chettinad Memorial Stayers’ Cup to be run over a gruelling distance of 3000 metres and one has to have a lot of stamina and speed to win this event. The one who stands tall to lift this event is Adhirajsingh Jodha-trained DYF with Trevor Patel doing duty in the saddle. The grey was a noteworthy second to the wonder-mare Juliette — who has opted not to run the Invitation Cup — last time out. The local hope will be carried by Arti Doctor-saddled Third Avenue with Yash Narredu astride.
Kolkata selections
1.30pm: 1. Villanelle 2. Dona Sienna 3. Marcolini.
2pm: 1. Star Prosperity 2. Multistarrer 3. Fancy Nancy.
2.30pm: 1. Royal Mysore 2. Meropi 3. Fortunate Son.
3pm: 1. King's Retreat 2. Chillilady 3. Remy Red.
3.30pm: 1. Isnt She Beautiful 2. Star Glory 3. Black Eagle.
4pm: 1. Ascoval 2. Magileto 3. Siege Courageous.
4.30pm: 1. DYF 2. Third Avenue 3. Chamonix.
5pm: 1. My Princess 2. Diamond Rain 3. Dubai King.
Day’s Best: Villanelle. Good Double: Royal Mysore and King’s Retreat.