An extensive six-race programme will be conducted at the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) on Thursday, 5 March, with contests framed across sprint and middle-distance categories. The afternoon schedule will begin at 2:30 PM and conclude at 5:00 PM, bringing together runners from Class V through to Class II level, alongside a feature event for three-year-olds.
The afternoon will commence with The Diabolical Handicap at 2:30 PM, a 1200-metre sprint for Class V horses rated 1–26 carrying prize money of Rs.3,00,000. Mohsin, to be partnered by Md Azharuddin, will step out against Swift Lady with Suraj Narredu and Dubai Prince under Darshan N. Deliverance, Mountain Gold and Soul Aquarian will also face the starter, and the opening sprint will set the early tempo for the day’s proceedings.
Speed will again come to the force in The Toroloco Handicap at 3:00 PM, run over 1100 metres with a purse of Rs.5,00,000 for Class III horses rated 41–66. Superlative, ridden by Darshan N, will take on Kay Star with Vinod Shinde and Resplendence under Nikhil Naidu. Tycoonist, Lord Vader and Cash Your Luck will add further competitiveness to what promises to be a tightly run dash down the straight.
The Prince Blossom Cup, scheduled for 3:30 PM, will offer Rs.11,00,000 in prize money and will be contested over 1100 metres exclusively by three-year-olds. Cielo with P. Trevor in the saddle will meet Fifty Shades ridden by A Ashhad Asbar and Gold Script under Imran Chisty. Tekton, Peaberry and Princess S will also line up, and the quality of the field will make this one of the more closely followed races on the programme.
At 4:00 PM, attention will shift to The Aperitivo Cup over 1400 metres, a Class II contest for horses rated 81 and above with prize money of Rs.7,50,000. Glorious King, guided by Nikhil Naidu, King’s Retreat under Gaurav Singh and King Louis partnered by Suraj Narredu. Raffaello, Blackstone and Clifford will complete the sextet, and the extended sprint trip will test both speed and stamina.
The Colombiana Handicap will be decided at 4:30 PM over 1600 metres, with Rs.5,50,000 on offer for Class III horses rated 61–86. Aeropoli, to be ridden by P. Trevor, will encounter Ghirardelli under Darshan N and Mindful with Suraj Narredu. Booster Shot, Multiverse and Zarak will join the contest, and the journey will likely demand a measured approach from the field.
Stamina will be the decisive factor in the concluding race, The Dare To Dream Handicap at 5:00 PM. Run over 2000 metres for Class IV horses rated 21–46 and carrying prize money of Rs.4,00,000, the race will feature Cascade with Imran Chisty, Garth under A Ashhad Asbar and Divine Gift partnered by Suraj Narredu. Sanaya and Royal Member will also take part, bringing the curtain down on the afternoon with a thorough examination of staying ability.
Across the Kolkata Race Cards 5 March, the programme will offer a varied examination of speed and endurance, maintaining competitive balance throughout the six races at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club.
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