Rajesh Narredu-trained A Star Is Born (Roderic O’Connor – Angel Dust) lifted The Indian Champion Cup (Grade 1) at RCTC for the second year in succession without batting an eyelid. Tracking Pissarro till the turning for home, jockey Suraj Narredu released the brakes for A Star Is Born to take up the running and win as he liked. By pocketing this Grade I race effortlessly, he has earned himself a nomination for the Invitation Cup in early March at this centre. The connections will take a call on that in due course. “He loves the Calcutta track and we are also thankful for the large following Suraj and I have here”, said trainer Rajesh Narredu.

Jockey Suraj Narredu went on to complete a popular double when he guided home Rutherford Alford-trained Swift Lady (Be Safe-Lady College) to a four-length victory  in The Salterello Handicap run over five-and-half furlongs. She was the first to jump out and then permitted Indian Tiger to lead till the straight before taking over the running and winning in style. 

The afternoon commenced well for trainer Sabiel Shariff as the connections pulled off a major gamble with I Smell The Danger (David Livingston – Faussment Simple) in the seven-furlong race for The Alaskan Handicap. Jockey Arman Khan had the dark bay gelding racing behind Historic till the straight with Trevor and Blue Chip in hot pursuit. I Smell The Danger shot into the lead in the straight to win fairly easily. “ He was working very well and had the benefit of two mock races”, said jockey Arman Khan in his post-race comments.

Daniel David – trained Tess (Leitir Mor -Lombardia) won The INS Hooghly Cup start to finish from Tender Heart and Magnite. Jockey Neeraj  Rawal took no chances and took his mount to the helm of affairs from the word go and stayed there all the way. Trainer David commented that considering his ward’s impressive pedigree she has more races in store for her.

Western India imports continue to stamp their superior class at this centre. Shyam Habbu-trained Flying Scotsman (Phoenix Tower – Thread Bare) won his second successive race at this centre while shouldering top-weight. As in his previous outing, jockey Vinay Jaiswal had the ‘Scotsman’ racing off the pace while Sonatashowed the way. Once in the straight, he opted for the rails and overhauled the front-runner with a couple of cracks from the whalebone. The disappointment in the race was the ante-post favourite Kiefer.

Speaking about western India imports, Adhiraj Singh Jodha’s Hall Of Grace (Planetaire-Peritomoreno) lifted the Navy Cup without raising a sweat. The ten-to-four-on public choice made every post a winning one in the hands of Shrikant Kamble. The filly seems to be following in the footsteps of her stablemate Time And Tide. She too seems destined for the highest class.