Quasars are described as ‘celestial objects emitting large amounts of energy’ but the one visible at the Calcutta racecourse on Saturday was very much a down to earth phenomenon, who indeed emitted a large amount of energy in the final furlong to get the better of his six rivals in the 2000 Guineas. Jockey Suraj Narredu rode a calm and collected race as he allowed the colt by Seeking The Dia out of Belle Jour (Hazara Stud) to settle in fourth slot while Torch Bearer called the shots with Confidence and Acrider in close attendance. As the field swung into the straight, Suraj set his mount alight with a couple of cracks and then rode him out hands and heels to land the spoils easier than verdict. Trainer Mallesh Narredu was extremely happy with the colt’s performance as he had very little time to acclimatise himself to the local conditions and yet came out on top. Speaking to indiarace.com, Mallesh said confidently; “Quasar will relish the Derby distance at this centre and I can tell you now that none will touch him over a mile and half”.

However, we are sure that Pesi Shroff will have something to say to that as he is bringing his Monsoon Derby winning filly Tiger Tops to take a tilt at the Oaks and Derby at this centre.

There is an interesting anecdote about Quasar that not many may be aware of. He was in fact purchased by default as the connections had initially selected two other colts from Hazara, which were sold off elsewhere. Hence, they opted for Quasar and the rest as they say could very well turn out to be history in the making. We have just over a month to wait and watch.

Incidentally, local champion trainer Vijay Singh had four runners in the seven-horse field, of which only Acrider displayed some ability to stay the Derby trip among the best and he finished fourth. Hence, do not write off the local challenge which has been rather prominent over the past two years. Vijay’s ability to prepare well-bred thoroughbreds to peak fitness before any major event was evident when Ademaro (Ace-Lady One/ Exhilaration Stud) made mincemeat of the field in the race for the Maharajadhiraja Uday Chand Mahtab of Burdwan Memorial Cup. Shailesh Shinde, who rode Ademaro and made every post a winning one, completed a double for Vijay and himself by bringing home the bacon astride Deserving Visit (China Visit-Deserving Lady/ Usha Stud) in the last event of the afternoon, The Noble View Handicap. The sprinter pegged back Wild Card in the final 100 metres.

The afternoon commenced with a rank outsider in Bharath Singh-trained Flying Boy (Gaswar-Dancing Rhythm/ Lingwood Stud) who was hard-ridden by Md Islam to keep at bay the likes of Luck Luck Lucky and Major Colours. Elusive Hurricane and Ever Green were both disappointments.

The Stringfellows Handicap, run over the metric mile, saw Flourishing Move (Rebuttal-Serene Highness/Hazara Stud) break out of the maiden ranks in great style. The Arti Doctor-trained gelding who was having his first run after being gelded, was expertly handled by Kamlesh in a slow-run race. Top-weight Mephistopheles was the 3/1 second favourite and was given too much to do in the straight and yet finished a good runner-up, and is one for the notebook. Jockey Dashrath (who drew a blank this afternoon as well) astride Athletico, was slowly away from the blocks but made up a lot of ground in the straight to end up third.

The Haskell David Memorial Cup went to Manvendra Singh-trained Dakota Dreamer (Mr Mellon-Regal Fantasy/ Ruia Stud) who was given a chanceless ride by Trevor Patel. Maintaining him in a close second spot behind front-running Fire Falcon, Trevor and the ‘Dakota’ shot ahead in the straight to put the cup beyond the reach of any of his eight rivals. The favourite Axestone was a none too impressive third and may have needed the run. He will be worth keeping an eye on.

Trainer Arti Doctor and Kamlesh completed a double when Speedy Gonsalves (Win Legend-Ray Of Sunshine/ Dashmesh Stud) lifted the CM Verma Memorial Cup in great style by leaving the field cold. The ante-post favourite Secret Society was withdrawn in the morning.