Rajan Bala, one of a rare kind

  

Revived and ready RCTC set to defy odds

By Sharan Kumar

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club will host the prestigious HPSL Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup, regarded as the champion of champions event in the Indian Racing Calendar. Despite facing existential challenges at the onset of last year, including delayed monsoon season due to various issues, the club has remarkably recovered. Initially uncertain about hosting the Invitation Cup weekend races due to significant expenses, the club has displayed remarkable resilience. Now, they are orchestrating what promises to be an extravagant week of racing, ensuring a memorable experience for racing enthusiasts both on and off the track. Known for their generosity and hospitality, the RCTC has always been accommodating to the needs of all segments of the racing community.

Led by RCTC Chairman Sudipto Sarkar, Racing Operations Chairman Enrico Piperno, and CEO Amit Chaturvedi, along with their dedicated team, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club has curated an impressive lineup of eight events for both days, boasting a record number of contenders from various centres. Anticipation for the weekend's action is high, with wider participation indicating the success of the hosts in creating the right environment.

The spotlight of the weekend racing falls on the GR 1 HPSL India Turf Invitation Cup, with wonder mare Juliette stealing much of the attention. Trained by Karthik Ganapathy, Juliette, a dual Invitation Cup winner, is expected to shine once again in what could be her farewell performance. Despite a recent technical setback that saw her missing the Racing Carnival in Dubai, her return to the Indian turf has heightened the excitement surrounding the event.

With Trainer Karthik Ganapathy expressing confidence in Juliette's form and readiness, hopes are high for her to secure an unprecedented third victory in the prestigious race. However, challenges await, including navigating the short Calcutta straight and competing against younger, prime horses. Nevertheless, Juliette's past performances suggest she's more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Narredu's Synthesis, second in the Indian Derby, emerges as a strong contender, particularly in the absence of Enabler due to illness. Jockey Suraj Narredu is optimistic about Synthesis's chances. His familiarity with the track and strategic expertise are going to be factors which should help the cause of Synthesis immensely. Suraj Narredu believes that Synthesis is at the top of his game and exudes confidence that he would be right there at the finish to provide him an icing on the cake.

Intriguingly, many recent Indian Derby winners have missed out on the Invitation Cup due to injuries or retirement, with the last champion to achieve this double being Desert God seven years ago. Historically, the Invitation Cup outcome often mirrored that of the Indian Derby.

Trainer Pesi Shroff presents a formidable contender in Jamari, the daughter of Cougar Mountain, who has displayed exceptional form. After claiming victory in the Gr 1 Bangalore Derby in July, Jamari rebounded from a setback in training to secure second place in the Gr 1 Pune Derby. Subsequently, she triumphed in three classics at Bangalore during the winter season, including the Gr 1 Bangalore Winter Derby. Despite her narrow defeat in the Indian Derby, jockey Trevor Patel is confident in Jamari's ability to challenge Synthesis and potentially upset the odds, even in the presence of the formidable wonder mare Juliette. The fact that Jamari gave a top performance in the Indian despite the short time interval between two major events, gives hope for her supporters as she has had sufficient time for rest and recovery.

Adding to the competition are two other regional Derby winners, both trained by Satish Narredu. Touch of Grey, a dual Derby champion from Mysore and Chennai, showcased remarkable speed in the latter victory. With jockey Suraj Narredu opting to ride Synthesis over Touch of Grey, Neerj Rawal takes the reins of Touch of Grey. Champions Way, winner of the Gr 1 Golconda Derby in Hyderabad will be ridden by Yash Narredu who is riding with great confidence during this season. While Champions Way's victory lacked notable competition, his ability to handle the mile and a half distance effortlessly provides him with an outside chance. The performance of Touch of Grey in the Invitation Cup remains a point of interest, given his well-suited running style for the sharp turns and short straight of the Calcutta Race Course.

The upcoming Gr 1 Major P K Mehra Memorial Super Mile presents a compelling lineup of contenders, each boasting impressive credentials to bolster their claims. Among them, Rajesh Narredu-trained A Star Is Born stands out, having showcased invincibility on the Kolkata track this season, with each victory achieved convincingly. Fresh off a top-notch mock race, A Star Is Born appears primed to add another Group I victory to his repertoire, having previously triumphed in the Indian 2000 Guineas three years ago. Typically, the Super Mile favours older horses, with four-year-olds often struggling against their more seasoned counterparts due to minimal weight disparities.

Meanwhile, M K Jadhav's Mojito, despite failing to meet expectations following a notable win at the Gr 1 Colts Championship Stakes at Bangalore two years ago, impressed with a commanding victory in his recent Mumbai outing, particularly while sporting blinkers. While consistency has been a hallmark, Mojito's track record of just four wins out of 21 starts belies his potential, with his latest performance elevating him to contention status. With jockey N S Parmar tasked with executing a flawless ride, Mojito holds promise to challenge for victory, especially over the mile distance where he excels.

Another contender to watch is Prasanna Kumar-trained Knotty Charmer, whose exceptional performance in the mile-long Gr 2 South India Guineas underscores his suitability for the distance. Despite a shift back from longer trips, such as the mile-and-a-half South India Derby, Knotty Charmer's speed remains sharp, positioning him as a formidable threat in the Super Mile. With his track record and capabilities, Knotty Charmer emerges as a strong contender capable of making a significant impact in the race.

Adding to the intrigue is Imtiaz Khan-trained Philosophy, a winner of the Gr 1 Fillies Championship Stakes at Bangalore two years ago. Despite grappling with a hoof issue, Philosophy's recent victory suggests she has overcome this obstacle and is hitting peak form at the opportune moment. For those seeking a surprise contender, Philosophy could be the dark horse to watch out for.

Another noteworthy entry is Prasanna Kumar's Evaldo, whose sparse racing appearances have nonetheless showcased his calibre. Notably, Evaldo convincingly bested A Star Is Born during the previous summer season at Bangalore, demonstrating his competitive edge. With promising workouts leading up to the event, Evaldo has the potential to inject excitement into the race. While formidable contenders like Destroyer and Chopin are in the mix, they may find the competition in this field a tad formidable for comfort.

The Gr 1 Zavaray S Poonawalla Sprinters Cup presents a challenging puzzle for punters, with no clear standout contender among the field. Luck and draw positions will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in determining the race's outcome. Without a definitive favourite, Pradeep Annaiah-trained Ascoval emerges as a horse with solid prospects, having previously bested Siege Courageous, another strong contender. Ascoval's racing style and compatibility with the Calcutta track make him a compelling choice.

While Siege Courageous has demonstrated consistency, his best performances have typically come over longer distances, posing a potential challenge in this sprint. Pesi Shroff-trained Democracy, who surpassed her rating in the Dr S C Jain Sprinters Cup, presents another noteworthy entry, particularly given the historical significance of that race as a precursor to the Sprinters Cup.

Magileto, who previously triumphed over Democracy, holds an outside draw but relies on his ability to seize the lead without excessive exertion. Local contender Time And Tide enters the fray in peak form, emerging as a strong candidate among those representing the home centre.

Other notable entries include Cool Rider, the seasoned traveller O Hansini, Joaquin, and Ashwa Morocco, all boasting comparable capabilities. However, given the Sprinters Cup's unpredictable nature, with favourites often faltering and outcomes largely influenced by race luck, it's anyone's guess who will emerge victorious on race day. Exceptional horses like Oasis Star and Ruffina have defied the odds, but for the most part, the Sprinters Cup remains a fiercely contested and unpredictable event.

Adhirajsingh Jodha-trained Dyf emerges as a standout contender in the Gr 1 Dr M A M Ramaswamy Chettiar of Chettinad Memorial Stayers’ Cup. Having recently challenged the formidable Juliette in a close race, Dyf was anticipated to feature in the Invitation Cup lineup. However, his connections have opted to showcase his prowess in this event instead. With all factors favourably aligned, Dyf presents a strong chance of securing victory.

Meanwhile, Pesi Shroff-trained Chamonix, sired by dual Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden, appears custom-made for the demanding 3000 meters distance. Chamonix boasts an impressive streak of three consecutive wins at Mumbai, including a triumph over 2800 meters, positioning him as a formidable threat to the favourite Dyf. Chamonix is primed for a strong showing.