It was yet another week-day racing at this centre that most punters would like to forget. Barring heavily fancied Flavius, none of the other six first favourites could see the winning post. The main event The Saddle Up Cup, saw Axstone installed as the ‘false’ favourite at 18/10. Second favourite Lanner Falcon (9/4) was heavily fancied to score by many but went down narrowly to Elusive Hurricane – thanks to Manvendra’s ploy of engaging a 1kg allowance apprentice (Azharuddin) which annulled the extra penalty of 1kg that Elusive Hurricane had attracted after the pair’s clash in the lower class.

After their meeting on February 7, it seems that for a half-length, the winner Elusive Hurricane (Hurricane State –Adralyn / Hargobind Stud)was given a 4kg penalty while the loser was slapped with 2.5kg, which may have been a trifle harsh so far into the season, as C. Alford atop the winner on the earlier occasion seemed to quite easily get the measure of Lanner Falcon. But who are we to judge. As they say, the handicapper knows what’s best. He is the third umpire, fourth umpire, match referee and UDRS all put together. And I say that without sarcasm. A good handicapper has to have a clear perspective and clearer conscience, which our handicapper no doubt has.

Despite his years of experience, Md Islam has never quite tackled the local track to his riding potential. He went all over the place with his mount Malibu before deciding to call it a day. When the rider in front of one is the current leader on the Jockey’s Championship table, one just can’t take it for granted that he is going to offer one a handy passage along the rails. Hence, unless one is absolutely certain of squeezing through the narrow gap, it is far safer to opt for the ‘outside’ of the front-runner at the top of the straight. Christopher Alford has mastered the art of ‘stealing’ the rails, especially with false rails up. He gave an exhibition of this deft practice astride Flavius (Noverre- Flavia/ Sohna Stud) to get the better of front-running Grand Design (Rajput up).  Had the latter not shifted out in the straight, the verdict would have been closer as both runners were under the stick.

If my arithmetic serves me right, jockey Kamlesh is now six wins clear of reigning champion jockey C.Alford with eight race-days left. It is not only a creditable feat for the rider but also for his stable, that of Arti Doctor.  In Alford’s defence, it must be mentioned that he was injured for a period and his strike rate is superior. On Tuesday, Kamlesh guided home Arti’s Bold Legacy (by New Famous out of Hoofbeats - a half-sister to Al Attaturk from Yeravada Stud) to a fluent victory in the Meg Merrilies Plate. The filly showed a clean pair of heels all the way as favourite Ace Amandus followed to the wire. He then guided home Warrior (Sharp Attack – Brushlight/ Gee Stud) to a difficult win over the fast-finishing Layla in the race for The Rising Bell Handicap. The latter came at him in the dying seconds of the race but the winner held his nerves.

Two apprentices and a leap-year jockey in the form of Md Shabbani enjoyed a successful afternoon. The last named scored a good win with Sunshine Dancer (Carnival Dancer – Ray Of Sunshine/Dashmesh Stud) as he pegged back the hot favourite and none other than C.Alford’s mount Argalia. An elated Shabbani waved to the stands as he passed the winning post. He deserved the applause as not for one second did he lose sight of his objective or his nerves.

Vikash Jaiswal seems to be remote controlling his wards rather successfully with Rutherford Alford in the cockpit – it would appear the name Alford is synonymous with Calcutta racing thanks to the brothers of past generation (Richard, Philip and Ernie). Vikash’s Eternal Instinct (Ivory Touch-Fire N Desire/Mare Haven Stud) won the Usher Handicap after displaying forward form right through, though the grapevine whispered that Snowball was the Jaiswal stable’s horse to back. But that’s nothing new. In all fairness, Chhundu would have won that race had Shezad shown the same flair that he had prior to his fall. One can’t blame him ofcourse. It’s a tough call when you have experienced such a nasty ordeal. Chhundu had all the opportunity to take up the running after the jump-out but Shezad’s hesitation along the rails saw his mount getting knocked about and lose position to be in the rear of the field of ten. When set alight in the straight once more, he did everything expected of him except collar the winner.

Arti Doctor and apprentice Ranidan Singh brought the curtain down in style as their ward Flourishing Move (Rebuttal-Serene Highness/ Hazara Stud) made every post a winning one without any challenge whatsoever. With the centre’s short straight, Arti’s free running front-runners are bringing home the bacon periodically – and at nourishing odds too. Bravo!