Before the commencement of Saturday’s card, RCTC observed a minute’s silence for martyrs who lost their lives at Pulwama. The Navy Cup and INS Hooghly Cup were cancelled and the nomenclature changed to Mica Empress Cup and Royal Challenge Cup respectively. Thereafter, it was racing as usual under a warm sun on a fast track. Basically, racing was competitive, open and form-oriented.  There were no on-money runners or winners, making it a very exciting day for those who prefer the higher odds. Barring the opening race, which saw a major gamble on the demoted runner Dancing Prince, it is difficult to recall a favourite in any of the races which opened at below 7/2. Eastern Flame, available at 6/1, ran him close as the favourite drifted out in the straight.

Trainer Vikash Jaiswal pulled off a lucrative coup when his four-year-old gelding Capricious (Guslo-Vivacity) lifted the Mayor’s Cup at smashing odds of 8/1. Piloted by brother Vinay, Capricious was given a copybook ride  over his pet trip of 1400m. Permitting speedster Poet to call the shots till near the distance post, Vinay put his mount into top gear with a couple of cracks.  The eventual challenge came from an unexpected quarter in the form of  Multivalue. However, Vinay’s determination to ensure the prestigious trophy adorns the family mantlepiece, fetched victory for his brother’s ward by a neck. Tiger Of Mysore moved well from the rear of the large field to finish a close fourth.

The BK Poddar Cup saw Valeria being withdrawn at the gates once again.  James Mc Keown-trained Trafalgar was given a clever ride by Hindu Singh to grab top honours. He opted for the rails and caught Manzoni by surprise close home. The tree-year-old of son of Western Aristocrat out of Bluegrass Phantom looks good for more. Both the fancied runners after the withdrawal of Valeria – Atom and Inca – failed to make a lasting impression. However, this being a youngsters’ race, all these early runs should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The afternoon commenced with the Vikash Jaiswal stable landing a good gamble on seven-year-old Dancing Prince (Ace-Dancing Greens) . He was the first of four demoted runners to score on this day. With the season entering the final quarter, one has to be alert to these acceptors. Eastern Flame, who was having his second run after demotion, was preferred but Dancing Prince’s superior class prevailed despite being two years older.  Casablanca is improving with every run and bears watching.

The first of Bath’s two demoted runners to strike was Mrs Willy Nilly. The speedy five-year-old mare was held in check by Christopher Alford and then given full throttle in the straight to get the better of Artificial. Though Arabian Agatta had a very good run in the upper class and fancied in the ring, he inexplicably ran a poor last. Bath completed his brace in the  last race of the day when leading apprentice Rupal Singh guided Dixie Diamond (Sedgefield-Dixie Dahlin) to an easy triumph over fast finishing Onderboy. There’s no doubt that the better horse won. Onederboy was the best of the rest.

The Royal Challenge Cup saw Vijay Singh-trained  Arjuna  (Pleasantly Perfect – Disarming) finding the mile trip more to his liking as he made every post a winning one in Suraj Narredu’s hands. He simply outclassed the field and has been given a 7kg penalty for his deed. Nevertheless, the colt can win again. The favourite Bambini Festa is an unreliable sort who never runs two races the same. He was never in it and finished in the ruck.The Mica Empress Cup saw Shyam Habbu’s Stallone (Express Wish-La Chicaluna) pick up his second race of the season after smart money poured in on hm. On this occasion, Shezad brought him on the outside after taking his time till the turning for home. Lady Two was an eye-catching runner-up. Arti Doctor -trained Mr Fogg’s (Phoenix Tower-Soul Sister) was backed down to 3/1 favouritism and made every post of the 1200m Appeaser Handicap a winning one aided by his apprentice rider  claiming a 4kg allowance. Romantic Lass was a good second.