Bangalore based filly Rise And Reign (Arazan – Leonora)rose to the occasion and reigned supreme in the Calcutta Oaks on Boxing Day. Hailing from the yard of Rajesh Narredu, Rise And Reign was hard ridden by ace jockey Suraj Narredu to edge out the course favourite Trakila by half-length at the wire. It was quite an achievement for the final entrant who was the lowest rated of eight participants with a rating of 36. Meticulous planning, executed with precision, fetched the Narredu family top honours in the third classic of the season – often referred to as the ‘Ladies Derby’. Earth called the shots till well into the straight with Lady Sunshine in close attendance. Meanwhile Suraj atop Rise And Reign improved her position gradually from the 600 marker o be in a striking position at the top of the straight. Thereafter, the filly unleashed a thunderous gallop to go past the front-running duo. The favourite Trakila appeared to be blocked for room along the rails but made a late bid – going down narrowly. She thus proved her connections right – she did stay the trip but was unfortunately a trifle unlucky. The one for the notebook is rank outsider Main Street who came flying from the rear of the field to finish a close third. Finley burst her blood vessels. This was the third successive Calcutta Oaks for Suraj, having won astride Success (2022)  and Long Lease (2023) in earlieryears. Both these fillies went on to win the Derby. Incidentally, Long Lease was also trained by Rajesh Narredu.

Sharing the limelight with the Narredus was trainer Aashay Doctor with a well-backed treble – Impressive Annie, Champagnesupernova and Only Dreams.Impressive Annie (Shifting Power-Aquitania) won the Star Angel Handicap start-to-finish effortlessly. She has more races in store for her. Next,  Champagnesupernova (Dali – Friendship) lifted the General AS Vaidya Memorial Cup in the hands of Yash Narredu. Though he drifted out in the straight, he spared over six lengths to the runner-up Jahzara. Finally, Hindu Singh rode a blinder on Only Dreams (Dreamfield – Integrate) in the last race of the day to bring the curtain down with great style and complete a well-deserved treble for Aashay.

The race for the supporting event of the say – The Army Cup – saw quite an upset in the form of Patrick Quinn-trained Black Eagle (Excellent Art – Classic Sky) who moved with giant strides in the straight, under the urging of Imran Chisty, to peg back stablemate and second favourite Blackstone. The on-money public choice Agnostic was pushed back into fourth slot by Quinn’s third placed King’s Retreat. At the age of six (on the verge of reaching the grand old age of seven), it may be said that Agnostic is no longer his old self. The horses who finished ahead of him are two years younger than him.