The Royal Calcutta Turf Club’s third race on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, brought forward The Betbricks7 Calcutta Juvenile Sprint, a 1,100-metre test for three-year-olds. Run at 3:30 PM, the race attracted only two contestants, but the clear favourite Pantazi ensured the small field still produced a commanding display of racing quality.
Guided with precision by jockey P. Trevor and trained by Aashay Doctor, Pantazi seized the initiative from the outset and never looked threatened. He crossed the line in 1:05.751, confirming his growing reputation and rewarding his large ownership group comprising Mrs. Menaka Gupta, Mr. Salomone N Benveniste, Mr. Vishal Doctor, Mr. Kamal J Doctor, Mr. Hemang Devendra Doctor, and others.
The only challenger, Star Pride, with P Tejeshwar in the saddle and also trained by Aashay Doctor, trailed at a distance and clocked 1:09.299, finishing a well-beaten second. While the reduced field denied the race any real contest, Pantazi’s professional performance provided the highlight.
Earlier in the day, True Faith had captured The Hovercraft Handicap with a strong ride from Neeraj Rawal, giving trainer Neil Darashah a notable success. Together with Pantazi’s victory in the Juvenile Sprint, the afternoon was beginning to take shape with standout winners emerging from different stables.
Racing enthusiasts can now look forward to the remainder of the midweek programme, which promises more excitement with The Betbricks7 Rising Stars Handicap at 4:00 PM, followed by The Betbricks7 Play and Win Handicap at 4:30 PM, and closing with The Vajra Handicap at 5:00 PM. Each of these contests is expected to add fresh intrigue to a lively racing day.
