The third classic of the Calcutta cold weather season -The Usha Stud Calcutta Oaks (a Grade 3 affair) – was quite easily pocketed by trainer Deepesh Narredu with his wonder filly Heart (Gusto-Beldon Hill) who strolled home to a five-length triumphover front-running Eleanora whom she followed till the straight. The runner-up in this gruelling mile-and-half race is the one for the notebook considering that she was easily the best of the rest. With this victory, Heart has well and truly thrown down the ‘Derby’ gauntlet to the ‘boys’ in the field – Arrived, Gold Empire and Superstar – and anyone else who may wish to join the race for the ‘numero uno’ spot at this centre. Jockey Suraj Narredu who rode both Gold Empire and Heart to victory over the Derby distance on this Saturday afternoon was tight-lipped about what his choice might be in The Derby on January 11.

Trainer Rutherford Alford and jockey Mukesh Kumar combined fruitfully to bring home a well-backed double. The first of their winners was Ksepiman (Roderic O’Connor – Splash) who won the mile-and-half race for the Misty Melody Handicapwith a degree of comfort. Garth showed considerable improvement to finish second, well clear of the favourite Multi Success.The pair subsequently brought the curtain down with four-year-old bay filly Godsend Divine (Phoenix Tower – Jolie Rue) who won the Tiger Tops Handicap by pegging back Simran’s Attitude. Incidentally, both of Rutherford’s winners recorded their maiden victories which ought to have pleased their mentor no end. To usher in the feeling of the yuletide,  Rutherford’s mother commented post-race that the trainer had told all his owners in the morning that this was their Christmas present.

Earlier in the afternoon, jockey A Prakash notched up a pricey cup double with 7/1 Oishika and 10/1 Victorious Omen. Trained by SS Habbu, Oishika (Dali-Lucy in the sky) lifted the INS Hooghly Cup after a keen tussle with favourite Contessina and Lavish Girl. The losing duo need to be followed. Prakash next surprised all and sundry with a stunning win atop S. Waheed-trained Victorious Omen (Roderic O’Connor-Classic Sky) who outpaced fancied runner Vivaldi in the straight to lift The Navy Cup run over a mile.

The performance of three-year-old Gold Empire (Speaking Of Which – Goldie’s Pet) was extraordinary as he won the Statue Of Liberty Handicap in a canter in great timing. Trainer Rajesh Narredu commented later that it was necessary to give the gelding a feel of the Derby distance before taking a shot at the season’s plumthree weeks later.