Monsoon track continues to take a pounding  
By Aalibaba (indiathoroughbreds@hotmail.com)

Kolkata
November 10, 2005

The Monsoon race track continues to take a pounding, though the winter racing season is already three weeks old. RCTC authorities defend the extended use of the strip in view of the prolonged unseasonal rains in mid-October which had hampered preparations the main track. While this reasoning does have its merit, it is also true that those assigned the job of getting the main racing track ready are relatively inexperienced persons. 

It may come as a surprise if the track could be pressed into the service before the 1,000 Guineas on November 27.

Most of the trainers and owners are, therefore, reluctant to enter their youngsters in preparatory races leading to Classics. “I wouldn’t risk my stock on this (monsoon) track. If the track wasn’t ready why should they (RCTC) ask us to bring our outstation horses,” said owner Sol Noah who also has a string of horses based in western India. “I wouldn’t mind sending the lots back to Mumbai instead of confining them to the Hastings stables till the track is ready,” he added.

Nevertheless, favourites had a larger say in the Thursday’s six events. The card also witnessed the monopoly of trainers Vijay Singh and the combined might of Dr.MAM Ramaswamy’s schoolers – Daniel David and Errol Bhungard who divided three winners between them leaving the rest for the Vijay Singh-C.Alford pair.

Vijay opened his account with the victory of Knowledgeable, a hot favourite in the 1,100m Fizz Handicap. The Tecorno-Knowing three-year-old indicated her slight discomfort over the scurry, despite winning handsomely by over six lengths. She got going only after the two leaders, Common Spirit and Imperial Dynasty, shortened their strides inside the last 200 metres.

Vijay’s Ardennes, in the Real Danger Handicap, was given a fright by Daniel’s Supreme Princess who, in the hands of the visiting jockey P.S.Chouhan, dictated the terms till 50m from home. Therefore, C.Alford was left to make a desperate winning bid on the 4-10 hot-fancy and he managed to scramble home.

Vijay’s Regal Romance not only won the 1,400m String Of Pearls Cup easily, the Royal Kingdom-Celestial Heights three-year-old also exposed Daniel’s new-possession Star Memories’ classic pretensions. The half-money favourite, looked a tired filly in her paddock-parade, was never in the hunt over a trip that was not to her liking. She was a handy second behind the leader Serengetti till top of the home turn and led briefly before both Regal Romance and Oklahoma pounced on her. Oklahoma was a good second in the race and needs watching.

Chouhan scored a winner apiece for Daniel and Errol. The visiting jockey was, however, lucky to have been presented the 1,400m Topspin Handicap on a silver platter. It is because; his even-money Aguila romped home after the joint-favourite Alcinia lost about a distance at the start. The winner, a five-year-old led by two lengths after the flag-fall and went on increasing the lead to ultimately register a ‘distance’ verdict over Assagi. Alcinia finished a bad last in a four-cornered contest.

Chouhan went on to guide Remarquable to an easy victory in the 1,400m Robin Hood Cup. He kept the Daniel’s even-money favourite behind the joint-fancy Alarico till the 600m from home before kicking away from the field to an eight-length-plus victory.

Errol’s Royal Valour who had been doing well in his morning trials, found his main rival, Helegonia, an easy prey in the 1,200m Idolator Handicap.

It is learnt from a reliable RCTC source that apprentice Melvyn Maseyk, who was slapped a four-month suspension for riding an injudicious race on Remarquable in the Absoltion Handicap, was given four race-day respite by the Appellate Board.