It was a story of mixed fortunes for punters as racing resumed at Calcutta on Tuesday after a break of over a month. Trainer Vijay Sigh’s 6/1 shot Court Jester (Net Whizz-Matilda) left the field standing at the distance post to register a facile win for jockey Hindu Singh in the sprint for The Goodfellas Handicap. Following front-running Krishaa’s Choice till midway up the straight, Court Jester cruised into the lead thereafter for a comfortable win. The favourite Tasch returned bleeding from both nostrils while Viareggio made a late bid to finish a fair third.

Jockey Neeraj Rawal cashed in on the opportunity to ride in lieu of the absent PS Chouhan as he notched up a lucrative brace with Aashay Doctor-trained Ember Glow and Aarti Doctor-schooled Shimmering Star. The latter, a six-year-old by Strong Suit out of Shining Glory, thus completed a hat-trick. Lying a handy third while front-runners Namak Halaal and Gaurish fought for the lead, Shimmering Star shot ahead mid-way up the straight to win the Sparkling Clear Handicap comfortably. The even-money favourite Dandi March made a late bid to end up a none too impressive runner-up.Earlier, Ember Glow (Strong Suit – Attune) had won the seven-furlong race  for the Cherry Handicap in smart timing and literally outclassed Wandering Angel who was the best of the rest.

The Diabolical Handicap saw Sirona come good in the hands of apprentice Vikram. Available at 4/1, the filly by Whatsthescript out of Knockenduff was in mid-division for most part while Nandini’s Pet cut the early wind. Top-weight Chephirah took over the running after the straight but was soon challenged by the eventual winner who spared a length at the wire. The favourite Beowulf lost all his chances at the gates.

Vikash Jaiswal-trained Yuvi (Excellent Art-Autumn Rhythm) was looking a picture in the paddock and lived up to his good looks with a thundering win over course favourite Appreciate in the Gudarz Plate – a six-furlong sprint for youngsters. The rest of the field could not be sighted and obviously needs more time to show their mettle.

The afternoon commenced on a thrilling note as the Javed Khan pair of Zodiac Prince and Bemused fought all the way down the straight for an extremely tight finish that only the camera could differentiate. A nose separated the duo atthe wire with Bemused (Chevalier-Habituated) getting the nod, thanks to apprentice Tejeshwar’s perseverance. 

The curtain came down with Christopher Alford-trained Eastern Crown (Knight’s Tour-Second City) putting his best foot forward to get the better of Yahalla in the seven-furlong race for the Amor Yahola Handicap. Jockey Afzal Khan found himself in front after front-runner Spring Valley shot his bolt at the top of the straight, and held on to his advantage thereafter. Stablemate and favourite Portofspain was never impressive at any stage of the race.

It was good to hear Albert Khare’s voice from the commentator’s box as it added a touch of professionalism to the commentary team led by seasoned caller Cyrus Madan. It was surprising that none of the squad called the mock race, which was a silent affair.