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Regal Connection Bags The Calcutta Gold Cup

By Epsom Ace | 15 Dec 2007 | KOLKATA


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A brilliant hat-trick by class low-weight rider Neeraj Rawal from western India overshadowed all else at the Calcutta racecourse on Saturday. While his first winning mount Oxford Street was at even money, his next two mounts were offered at lucrative odds by local bookmakers. Afforce won the Bangalore Turf Club Cup at astonishing odds of 6/1 before Rawal rounded off his performance with a flawless ride astride Regal Connection in the afternoon's main event—The Calcutta Gold Cup.

Apart from the above three runners, trainer Vijay Singh and his chief patron Deepak Khaitan also led in Silver Fox which was piloted by Suraj Narredu in the Fame Star Handicap run over seven furlongs. Barring Daniel David-trained Sensational Star, which won the curtain-raiser The Obligado Cup at cramped odds, every other winner in the eight-event card was available at extremely fruitful odds.

Second favourite Light Of Law is known to be a speedy customer. The Bath-trained chestnut filly made every post a winning one in the Allied Forces Handicap.

The next race, the Kabuki Handicap, saw Sea Legend, with Mumbai's ace rider C. Rajendra astride, being instated as the even-money favourite. After his customary tantrums at the starting gates, Sea Legend was led into the stalls. However, second favourite Over The Limit had to be withdrawn. Despite being long in the tooth, Sea Legend displayed an immense zest for racing as he shot ahead along the rails and showed a clean pair of heels to his rivals all the way.

Silver Fox could have won the next race in similar fashion but permitted Helegonia the honour of leading the field till the straight. Suraj Narredu had little trouble in collaring the front-runner and sail away into a commanding lead. Though the consistent Dance Music essayed a strong challenge after the turning for home, there's no doubt that he was outpaced on this occasion.

Then came the 'Neeraj Rawal' chapter. In the 1,100 metres scurry for the Finland Cup, Brilliant Victory and Prakash were bowling along nicely till the distance post and appeared to have the race in the bag till Oxford Street decided to put his best foot forward. Despite shifting off a straight course under the whip, Oxford Street showed a wonderful turn of foot to sweep past Prakash's mount and record a brilliant victory.

Rawal seemed to be getting better with each ride. In his next ride, he had the 6/1 shot Afforce racing in the fourth spot along the rails while the lead exchanged hands. The favourite Beckham, with the popular Samuel Fargeat atop, found himself in front after heads turned for home but his moment of glory was shortlived as Rawal took the shortest route home. He literally left Beckham standing in the final furlong as he widened the margin of victory without much ado. Afforce is bred for speed and seems to have found his favourite trip of six furlongs.

Rawal's handling of Regal Connection was truly spectacular. Owner-mate Arturo set a scorching pace while Regal Connection was racing in mid-division. Rawal gradually improved his mount to be in striking position at Calcutta's infamous hairpin. That Rawal was not totally accustomed to it was apparent as he took the turn a shade wide before bringing back his mount on even keel. Western India's Priapus was the first to show out in the straight but Regal Connection who devoured ground in the closing stages pegged him back at the winning post.

Trainer Javed Khan's assessment of his ward Cobble Court must be appreciated. After a failure over a sprint, Javed rather shrewdly placed him over a mile and then boldly backed him to land the spoils. Jockey Chouhan rode a measured race to take the lead at the bend and then staved off a strong challenge from Surreale. The lethargic Silent Hunter continued to occupy the minor placings for the fourth time in succession.

One lucky punter drove home in a brand new Maruti after nominating the first four finishers in the correct order in the race for the Eveready Calcutta Gold Cup.