Calcutta: Trainer Rutherford Alford’s charge Keitaro (Imran Chisty-up) secured an effortless victory in the 1,200m Setaflame Cup, the main event here on Friday.
Tracking pacesetters Star Pride and favourite Whirlwind until the straight. Chisty then confidently guided the Excellent Art filly through a gap in the middle, clinching the win after a brief but thrilling duel with Star Pride. Top-weighted favourite Whirlwind struggled under the burden and failed to concede weight to the field.
The day belonged to trainers Rutherford Alford and Vikash Jaiswal, who dominated the six-race card with trebles apiece. Jockey Imran Chisty was in spectacular form, riding a hat trick, while emerging Delhi-based rider Varun made his presence felt with a well-earned double. With these performances, both Alford and Chisty have stormed into the championship battle, setting up an electrifying season finale.
Trainer Vikash Jaiswal started his winning streak as his well-supported Tender Heart (Varun) displayed remarkable resilience to edge past Made In Heaven in the 1,400m Zelda Handicap. Jaiswal’s Yuvi (apprentice Ankush) delivered a stunning upset, overpowering favourite Lahina (Abhishek Mhatre) in a gripping stretch battle. Meanwhile, stablemate Intense Belief (Varun) finished disappointingly in the ruck despite strong market support.
The first leg of the Chisty-Alford hat trick came courtesy of the ever-reliable Kay Star, who dominated the 1,100m Upguards Handicap from start to finish. Casha (Trevor Patel) once again made a late charge but fell short, while favourite Light The World (Hindu Singh) was forced to race four wide throughout—a run worth noting for the future.
Chisty’s brilliance was on full display in the 1,600m Meg Merrilies Handicap, where he orchestrated a breathtaking last-to-first victory aboard Stormy Ocean. The long-shot winner stormed home past Patrick Quinn’s duo of Snowpiercer (Ashhad Asbar) and Aabushan (Trevor Patel), with Aeropoli also finishing close up in a pulsating four-way finish.
The day concluded in style as Varun delivered yet another gem, guiding Vikash Jaiswal-trained Zambezi to a nail-biting victory in the 1,600m Partisan Handicap. The 10/1 shot timed his late surge perfectly, collaring front-runner Fortune Warrior right at the post.