The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Horse : Hot contests in the offing

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Saturday, Mar 10, 2007
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Sport - Racing : Horse

Hot contests in the offing

Anil Mukhi

KOLKATA: The Invitation week-end carnival returns to Kolkata, the "City of Joy", after a lapse of a dozen years. Held every five years since the mid-sixties, it was last carded here in 1995. Back in 2000, a syces' strike had stymied the holding of the event (then BTC stepped in at short notice), while in the next round the RCTC was not in a position to fulfil its obligations.

Fields are smaller than usual, yet there is ample quality. Today's card is embellished by the Nanoli Stud Sprinters' Cup (1,200m), which has the exciting four-year-old fillies Haunting Memories and Dynasty squaring off against half a dozen of the older brigade. Romantic Fire is the current track record holder and is in form and should not be neglected. Atmosphere was very unfortunate the last time out in Mumbai while her compatriot Oyster Cove suffered a travel injury, which has however not hampered his preparation at all.

Jockey Srinath has shifted allegiance to Evatina from Caprese, which suggests the former is in with a chance. The luck of the race is going to play a part as no runner towers over the rest. On current form Haunting Memories with Colm O'Donoghue sporting the all-conquering Ramaswamy silks, should score from Atmosphere and Dynasty. Oyster Cove could prove a remunerative outsider for those seeking long shots.

In the Olympia Technology Park Stayers' Cup (3,000m), matters appear far more clear-cut. Local hope Aperitivo, who is in rousing form, is several points superior to the half dozen in opposition. The Khaitan standard bearer has won all four of his starts this season. The only one who can realistically be expected to overturn his apple cart is Scintilating Skill, who is a proven stayer, and moreover possesses a turn of foot. Once again, she represents the Ramaswamy stable, whose runners run in the name of Subbaiah Ganapathy as trainer on record, but will be saddled by Robert Foley in view of the former's indisposition.

Crown Court from Mumbai and Gentleman's Deal from Hyderabad can round off the board, while Star Of Windsor — a winner of this race two years ago and stable-mate of Scintilating Skill — knows what it takes to win, although his recent public form has not been noteworthy.

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