Those present at the Calcutta racecourse on Saturday were privileged to witness one of the finest thoroughbreds in the country today. His name is Dandified and he is by Rebuttal out of Dandoona. The property of Mr Deepak Khaitan won the Calcutta 2000 Guineas with ridiculous ease. He was never off the bridle and the verdict of two-and-half lengths flatters the runner-up. Having said that, it would be fair to say that Royal Blue Star is one of the fastest improving youngsters at this centre and seems destined for the highest class.

Now, coming back to the winner Dandified. Though he was in shipshape condition, only about 50 per cent of the colt’s potential was on view in the opinion of this correspondent. Trainer Vijay Singh utilized the 2000 Guineas as a preparatory race gallop for the Calcutta Derby in January, by which time his ward will be fine-tuned for the kill. Jockey Christopher Alford turned back twice in the straight to ensure that second gear would be sufficient to get the job done. The colt’s fashion of winning suggests that he will be able to negotiate the Derby trip without too much of a problem.  

Jockey Dashrath Singh completed an excellent double with Candid Fury and Romantic Impact but blotted his copybook by giving a very poor ride to Ardent N Graceful in the afternoon’s final event. The favourite was allowed to dwindle in mid-much till it was too late. When Dashrath did make his run, he took the filly from the rails to the wide outside, where he must have lost at least three lengths. She was flying at the wire but by that time apprentice Tamang on Cee Four (Tirol-Surge With Class) had urged his mount to a short-neck triumph over Polariser. Dashrath’s mount was a head behind.

Arti Doctor’s Romantic Impact (Major Impact-Romantic Heights), a 10/1 shot, lifted the Aboline Trophy in great style as the six-year-old made every post a winning one. The favourite Abronia failed to meet the class and faded out, but the experience will undoubtedly bring her on. Arbroath ran a poor race while Zillionaire and River Star were both impressive in defeat as they occupied the minor placings.

Nana Raghunath at last opened his account at this centre when Candid Fury (Ikhtyar-Kiaora) got the better of Star Alone at the wire in the BK Poddar Trophy. This full brother to Brief Encounter picked up a late gallop and outpaced Star Alone in the final furlong. However, the latter is one for the notebook.

The afternoon commenced with John Stephens-trained Mrs Jones (Juniper-Maratha Princess) creating quite an upset in the hands of Russell Xaviers. Speedy Whispering Hills looked as if she might make ends meet but started to drop 100 metres from home. That was enough incentive for third placed Mrs Jones to surge ahead. The pair of fancied runners Thrice Blessed and Victory Vibes were never in it.

Trainer Vijay Singh’s Danube Valley (China Visit-Austria) won the Noble View Handicap despite shifting off a straight course.  Frankly, Neeraj Rawal should have done a better job but then the bottom line is that the chestnut gelding won, while the 8/1 outsider Highland Prince finished on a game second. Much touted Autocrat was in the rear of the field for the major part but will be worth keeping an eye on.

The Psychic Flame Handicap saw Pesi Shroff-trained Arabica (Burden Of Proof-Alhambrah) produce an encore in the hands of Trevor Patel. After winning the last race on objection, her penalty was 4.5kg, which she brushed aside as she lapped up the extra furlong. Rank outsider Ashwa Prajot finished a fine second while the favourite Lady Ship had all the chances but ended a tame third. The totalisator favourite Alicante may have found the mile trip outside her compass.

The TN Banerjea was well and truly a handicap race. Raznandan carried a 6kg penalty for her last win and very nearly pulled it off. The favourite Lionwoods failed to concede 4kg to Pesi Shroff’s Il Bronzino (Ikhtyar-Glensanda) who was ridden judiciously by Parmar.