Six Races of Speed & Strategy Await at Calcutta Monsoon Meeting
The Monsoon Meeting at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) moves into its next chapter on August 13, 2025, presenting six action-packed races that blend rising prospects with proven contenders. The curtain opens at 2:30 PM and with final showdown at 5:00 PM, the prize purse reflecting the prestige of this seasonal fixture. Under the monsoon skies of August, the Calcutta turf is set to witness a mix of speed, stamina, and tactical brilliance.
The First Dash : Hooves in Motion
The gates swing open at 2:30 pm, with THE WISE GUY HANDICAP, a 1600M dash for horses rated 1-26. Among the names to watch in the afternoon contest are DANCING QUEEN (J: Varun | T: Vikash Jaiswal), TOGO (J: Antony Raj S. | T: Neil Darashah) and DUBAI PRINCE (J: Md. Sameer | T: Shafiq Khan). Will a bold frontrunner set the tone for the day?
At 3:00 pm, the stage is set for THE FUSEBOX HANDICAP, offering 1600M sprint for horses rated 21-46 and carrying total stakes of upto Rs.4,00,000, it draws an energetic mix of ZAMBEZI (J: Varun | T: Vikash Jaiswal), CYRENAICA (J: Nikhil Naidu | T: B. Mahesh) and GALWAY GIRL (J: Vishal N. Bunde | T: Neil Darashah). Short and sharp, this dash is all about quick breaks and blistering pace.
Mid-card fireworks
The battle for position intensifies at 3:30 pm with THE BRIGHTER FUTURE PLATE, a 1400M sprint for 3-year-olds rated, 1-26. Watch out for CALL ME TRINITY (J: Nikhil Naidu | T: Neil Darashah) and COOL DADDY (J: Abhishek Mhatre | T: B. Rajender Reddy) who will be looking to seize the early spotlight while facing pressure from GOODWILL, POLKA DOT and GLOBAL FASHION.
Monsoon Showpiece
The feature race of the day, THE MY OPINION CUP, arrives at 4:00 pm with prestige, prize money, and pride on the line. It offers a 1400M distance for horses rated 81 & above with stakes of Rs.7,50,000 (including a cup worth Rs.25,000). A neck-to-neck duel is expected between big guns like BLACK EAGLE (J: Abhishek Mhatre | T: B. Rajender Reddy), BLACKSTONE (J: Antony Raj S. | T: Patrick Quinn). Facing a stern challenge from DUBAI PRINCESS, CLIFFORD and KING’S RETREAT.
The Final Charge
At 4:30 pm, strategy takes the reins in THE INDEPENDENCE CUP, featuring horses rated 41-66 where KAY STAR (J: Imran Chisty | T: Rutherford Alford) and GO FOR THE MOON (J: P. Trevor | T: Aashay Doctor) are likely to face challenge from SNOWPIERCER, TRUE FAITH and DRAGON’S GOLD. Expect a grandstand finish.
At 5:00 pm, The day closes with THE AWESOME INDIAN HANDICAP, a 1200M dash for horses rated 21-46. A burst of speed will decide it all between IMPRESSIVE ANNIE (J: R. Vaibhav | T: Aashay Doctor) and MARCOLINI (J: Md. Imran | T: B. Mahesh). Could be facing trouble if the pace is pushed early by FALCONBRIDGE, SABAR and SKY HAWK.
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