The centre’s most promising three-year-old colt, Dandified, will for the first time in his short career be crossing swords with some excellent milers from across the country. The Derby hope of the distinguished red-and-gold brigade will be among a field of ten runners for the Nanoli Stud Gold Cup to be run on Saturday. Unfortunately, his mentor Vijay Singh is indisposed due to a cardiac ailment and HS Bath will be deputizing for him. However, the courageous son of Rebuttal out of Dandoona is unlikely to be affected by his absence as his regular partner Christopher Alford is certain to soothe his nerves.

Regal Connection had won the Calcutta Gold Cup and gone on to win the Calcutta Derby in the year 2007-2008. But on that occasion the colt was receiving weight from his worthy rivals. Though Dandified is receiving weight from Cielo Rey, he will be conceding weight to Oban – a final entry after her recent success over a mile at Bangalore.

Sponsored by Nanoli Stud, The Calcutta Gold Cup to be run over the metric mile, has added money to the tune of a healthy Rs 15 lakh. The winner’s purse is a shade under that amount. But more than the stake-money, it is the litmus test for Calcutta’s prime Derby contender that will be of utmost importance to his connections. Should the bay come out with flying colours on Saturday, then he will automatically close as the ante-post favourite for the big ’un, ahead of the filly In The Spotlight who is expected to bag The Oaks on Christmas Eve.

Should the unexpected happen and Dandified fail the test, then the filly will gather momentum to occupy pole position in the Derby. Thus, Saturday’s mile race for the prestigious Nanoli Stud Gold Cup is more than just a race for the city’s renowned Khaitan yard. Mr Deepak Khaitan has three runners in the fray – Hall Of Glory, Unleashed and Dandified, but he will obviously be keeping his fingers crossed for the last named to continue his winning ways.