Patrick Quinn-trained Samarkhand produced a stunning gallop opposite the grandstand to lift The Metropolitan, the main event of the Calcutta races on Saturday. With this superb win, popular jockey Mark Reuben opened his account for the season in dramatic fashion. The Javed Khan-trained runner is known to prefer a longer trip, but despite his crushing impost, Reuben coaxed a thundering gallop out of him in the closing stages of the six-furlong sprint. The early pace was set by the speedy Queen of Hearts with Mustang Royal issuing his challenge after the bend. The favourite Ardelis was never in it.

The Bahrain Trophy run over 2000 metres was very much Apollotina’s race. The Pesi Shroff-trained filly followed the unlikely leader Agnation till the bend and took over the running smoothly. Of the two fancied runners, Local warrior and Bold Reply, it was the latter who was the best of the rest.

The day’s biggest shock was provided by 13-year-old gelding El Cid who made the six furlong race for the Adelita Handicap a start-to-finish affair in the hands of Salim Khan. Another aged runner Golden Image finished a good second. Public choice Hymn Star was never in the race. Generous Thought was the first of the afternoon’s three favourites to oblige. The Javed Khan-trained filly drifted out considerably to end the race eight horses wide. Nevertheless, Imran Chisty kept her going to win by a length from Driven By Desire. Corazon finished on impressively to be a good third.

Chisty was equally hard on the half-money public choice Pocket Rocket. Rutherford-trained Solid Success made a brave effort to get on even terms but to no avail. Of the aged runners in the fray, Helegonia was the most impressive and occupy the winner’s enclosure in his own age group.

Saarah Alam completed a well-deserved double for Javed Khan. The mare was ridden expertly by apprentice Mahesh along the rails to get the better of Gilded Romance and Splendid Elegance. The favourite Artistical was an unimpressive fourth.

Island warrior brought the curtain down on the day’s proceedings without much ado. A Imran Khan piloted this Bhungard ward to a facile triumph. Astro Boy was a good second and will be worth keeping an eye on.