The Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) came alive with the buzz of anticipation as trainers shared last-minute tips, and jockeys tightened their silks ahead of an action-packed seven-race card on 16 November. A gentle afternoon breeze stirred excitement across the paddock, with spectators drawn to the familiar mix of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, each carrying their own story of ambition and preparation. For trainers and jockeys alike, the day promised both triumph and tension, and by the first race, the track was already humming with energy.
Regal Connection Handicap — 1:00 PM, 1200m (₹3,00,000)
Opening the card, Class V runners from ratings 1-26 offered a lively contest. Live It Love It (R Vaibhav / Aashay Doctor) appeared poised for an early advantage, while N R I Fantasy (Nikhil Naidu / Sabeel Shariff) could come alive in the final furlongs. Amalfitana (Gaurav Singh / B Rajender Reddy) and Cashaban (MD Imran / Sabeel Shariff) brought contrasting strategies to the fore, and Godsend Divine remained a quiet but watchful threat should the pace suit a closer. Horus The Great and Lahina added extra intrigue with their stable-backed strengths.
Right Ahead Handicap — 1:30 PM, 1600m (₹3,00,000)
The mile-long journey required rhythm and tactical acumen. Soul Aquarian (Neeraj Rawal / Javed Khan) looked primed for a strong showing, while Macchiato (MD Imran / Sabeel Shariff) relied on consistency. Carnation (Arul J H / Neil Darashah) and Fortune Warrior (Gaurav Singh / B Rajender Reddy) were expected to make gains over this distance. Schwarzenegger (Varun / Vikash Jaiswal) and Made In Heaven (Antony Raj S / Rutherford Alford) offered late-charging potential depending on how the early fractions unfolded.
Arabian Prince Handicap — 2:00 PM, 2000m (₹5,00,000)
Middle-distance testing rewarded stamina and tactical sense. Seasmoke (Gaurav Singh / B Rajender Reddy) carried solid form, and Zarak (Imran Chisty / S Waheed) demonstrated proven staying ability. Lucky Nine (Hasib Alam / B Rajender Reddy) would likely thrive over the 2000m stretch, while Goodwill (Vishal N Bunde / Neil Darashah) and Keitaro (Vinod Shinde / Rutherford Alford) were capable of influencing outcomes if allowed a smooth rhythm. Indian Jack (Mustakim Alam / Rutherford Alford) needed early settlement to be effective.
Ocean and Beyond Handicap — 2:30 PM, 1100m (₹5,50,000)
Speed was the name of the game in this Class II sprint. Outlander (Neeraj Rawal / Javed Khan) set the benchmark, challenged closely by Mathangi (A. Ashhad Asbar / Dr Anil Kumar). La Dominate (R Vaibhav / B Mahesh) and Sky Force (P. Trevor / Arti Doctor) offered pace and class, while Kay Star (Antony Raj S / Rutherford Alford) brought experience. Watch My Stride (Arman Khan / Sabeel Shariff) and Roman Spirit (P Tejeshwar / B Rajender Reddy) added depth to what promised a final-furlong showdown.
The Mayfowl Cup — 3:00 PM, 1400m (₹13,08,000)
The marquee event of the day, Black Eagle (Gaurav Singh / B Rajender Reddy) emerged as the standout, with High Command (Imran Chisty / L V R Deshmukh) demonstrating proven class. Trakila (P. Trevor / Aashay Doctor) threatened if the pace was strong, while King’s Retreat (Vishal N Bunde / B Rajender Reddy) added intrigue to the ₹13 lakh feature. Jockey timing and pace maps would be decisive in this highly anticipated contest.
Cambridge Handicap (Division I) — 3:30 PM, 1400m (₹4,00,000)
Clever Hans (Varun / Vikash Jaiswal) and Brave Majesty (Chethan Gowda / Neil Darashah) headlined a field packed with evenly rated challengers. Cash N Run (Nikhil Naidu / Sabeel Shariff) looked solid, while Honey Cake (MD Azharuddin / Shyam S Habbu) had dark horse potential. Sea Of Charm (P Tejeshwar / B Rajender Reddy), Cool Daddy (Gaurav Singh / B Rajender Reddy), and Jimmy Bee (Vishal N Bunde / Sabeel Shariff) rounded out a tightly knit field.
Cambridge Handicap (Division II) — 4:00 PM, 1400m (₹4,00,000)
The closing race showcased a blend of speed and finishing power. Victorious Omen (Imran Chisty / S Waheed) drew attention for consistency, while Zambezi (A. Ashhad Asbar / Dr Anil Kumar) offered raw pace. Enchanting (P. Trevor / Deepesh Narredu) and Cashmere Silk (Vishal N Bunde / Sabeel Shariff) could finish strongly, with Toussaint (Vinay Jaiswal / Javed Khan) and Sporting Trainer (Varun / Vikash Jaiswal) adding competitive depth.
Seven compelling races, from brisk sprints to stamina-testing features, made the Calcutta race card November 16 a compelling showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer equine athleticism. Enthusiasts could enjoy a narrative of speed, resilience, and tactical flair across every race at RCTC.
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