The longest and last classic of the season was run at RCTC on Wednesday. Trainer Rajesh Narredu’s Gold Empire (Speaking of which-Goldie’s Pet) was hard ridden by jockey Suraj Narredu to claimthe gruelling 2800 metres race for The Calcutta St Leger after pegging back front-running Arrived and keeping at bay the fast-finishing Superstar. As Garth refused to set the pace, Arrived and Antony decided upon themselves to try and make ends meet. It was a bold decision and a brave attempt but they played into the hands of Suraj and Gold Empire who were happy to sit at his haunches till well into the straight where he went full throttle to collar his adversary and succeeded too. Meanwhile Trevor atop Superstar failed to improve his position and remained  last of four several lengths behind the front pair, before it was too late. It was a poor ride by his standards.

The supporting event, The Indian Air Force Cup run over seven furlongs, was lifted by top-weight Abhicandra (Dali-Roman Flame) with Antony Raj in the saddle. He was in mid division while the favouriteEleanora set a fast pace to try and make it a start to finish affair. However, her effort came to nought when Antony put Abhicandra into top gear. Fable moved up from the rear to occupy the runner-up berth. One race earlier, low-weight jockey Hindu Singh rode an absolute blinder atop Vijay Singh-trained Laguna Seca (Dreamfield-Talladega) to pocket the Eastern Command Cup at lucrative odds of 9/2. The trio of fancied runners who were all conceding weight to her, had no answer to her quickfire acceleration in the straight.

The afternoon commenced with Sabeel Shariff-trained Lahina (Top Class – Calliope) picking up the Silver Handicap in the hands of Vishal Bunde. In the No Whips event – The Rasalas Handicap  - the favourite Surprise Fantasy tried to make it a start to finish affair in the hands of Suraj Narredu but were given a rude shock by B Mahesh-trained Marcolini (Dreamfield-Terracina) in the final Furlong where Imran Chisty was seen at his best.Marcolini was available at 6/1.

There was no dearth of thrills at RCTC on this day as one race later, Cache and All Time Legend fought out the finish with Blinky Bill (Fiero-Danae) for The Mossy Bear Handicap. Apprentice Darshan atop Neil Darashah-trained Blinky Bill did well to grab the rails early and stay there all the way. It was a clever ploy by the trainer to declare a 3.5kg allowance apprenticeastride his ward to pull off this victory. Tote favourite Cortado continued to fail his loyal followers despite the presence of a top rider on him. He is a sluggish sort best left alone by punters.

The curtain came down with Suraj Narredu completing a brace with Neil Darashah-trained Sea Eagle (Phoenix Tower-Tropical Blue). He was given quite a scare by fast finishing Impressive Annie who went down by the proverbial whisker. As for the other fancied runner Hermod, he lost all his chances when he decided to bolt.