With as many as five close finishes in a card of eight events, it would be fair to say that the handicapper stole the show at the mid-week Calcutta races.

The afternoon commenced with jockey Amandeep Singh clinching the seven furlong race for the Phantom Dancer Handicap atop the unfancied High Regard from Daniel David's stable. The public choice Going Starry made a late bid to get on even terms with the top-weight but found the younger horse too hot to handle.

Apprentices appeared to be in their element early on in the afternoon. In the very next race, the exuberant Pintu Das pulled off his second consecutive victory with Ferdunji Cooverji. Trainer Farley Rodrigues had instructed the lad to take the shortest route home from an inside draw and the lad did just that. Kudos to the duo!

Ferdunji was the first of the 'capper's close finishes as Pintu did well to stave off memorable Verse and Autumn Rose.

Vijay Singh-trained Alterity won the Flame Star Handicap from a fast finishing Elegant Road. Jockey Prakash declared over-weight on the latter. Had the stable declared Armaan Khan, it would have made a difference of 6 kg and that may have turned the tables. After all, Armaan had broken out of the maiden ranks on this very horse last winter.

The afternoon's biggest disappointment was Lightnin Blues who ran like a dud. It was unfancied Romantic Quest who led all the way till collared by the totally friendless Sportsman. The win dividend paid a whopping Rs 1178. Why retained rider Christopher Alford was not declared on Romantic Quest, instead of the favourite, remains a mystery. It also probably made the difference between victory and defeat.

The race for the day's feature, The Rontgen Cup, was an edge-of-the-seat thriller. C. Ruzaan had to work hard on his mount Top Of The Class to get the better of the runaway Ardelis and keep at bay Brilliant Victory. Trainer Rashid Byrmaji's presence on Sunday must have given his ward the much needed impetus to win. It is really good to see the maestro's runners strike gold once again.

The day's final event, The Ivanoe Handicap, really brought to the fore, the handicapper's effort. Adalira finished on the outer rails as he is wont to do, while Zafir stole a march at the distance post. The camera gave the nod to the latter by the shortest of margins.

The win of Mischevious Rose was pretty impressive. She was obviously pining for distance and relished the mile trip. She also proved that she was a cut above the rest of the field.

Vijay's other runner, Romantic Agenda, may be also wanting a trip. He is a half brother to Rasalas and Fiddle Faddle, both proven stayers. The race for the High Born Handicap was won by Master Marvel on whom Prakash showed a sense of purpose.