Favourites by and large took a back seat at the Calcutta racecourse on Wednesday. However, BR Reddy-trained seven-year-old Black Eagle (Excellent Art-Classic Sky) closed as the 16/10 public choice in The Calcutta Monsoon Sprint and simply steamrolled the field as he made every post a winning one in the hands of Gaurav Singh.  Though a little long in the tooth, he outpaced four-year-old Pantazi in no uncertain manner. Ante-post favourite Shine was never in it.

Reddy completed a lucrative treble during the day as jockey Jagdeesh rode two of his wards to victory – Lineupandcollect in the The Brown Wolf Handicap and Trillionaire in the day’s final event. The former, a six-year-old gelding by Davis Livingston out of Satwa Pearl was given a copybook ride by Jagdeesh. Following Hermes till before the turn, he took over the running and won the 2000 metres race as he liked. Thereafterhe brought the curtain down with speedy Trillionaire (Dali-Lost In Thought) as the five-year-old dark bay colt went pillar to post.. in the six-furlong sprint for the lower division of The Goldliner Handicap.

Trainer Arti Doctor commenced her successful trio with Tetsu in the maidens race for three-year-olds. The filly by Dali out of Music Divine was piloted with great aplomb by Trevor.  Top-weight Starliner did try his best to overhaul Tetsu but Trevor was unrelenting. The favourite Valerian was somewhat of a disappointment. Trevor tasted success for the same connections once again when he guided home 7/1 shot Morano (Dali-Harmonica) to a smashing victory over course favourite Timeless Fortune who appeared to make her move a little toolate.

The Thrifty Allan Handicap run over a mile was pocketed by Rambha (Gusto-Mahasuvi) who was given a perfect ride by Akshay Kumar. Following pacemaker Tycoonist till the turn, he took over the running and never looked back. 

The only other professional to lead in a winner was Rutherford Alford who led in Gimmler (Dali-Malakaye Ziba) after the latter won the upper division of the Goldliner Handicap with Ashhad Asbar going great guns to overhaul the front running Fast Approach. Cortado was a notable third.

Apart from the two professionals who led in trebles, the afternoon also belonged to the sire Dali who sired four of the day’s winners. It is indeed worthy of mention. All four winners were over sprints.