First envisaged in the early 1960s, the Indian Turf Invitation Cup started off as a race intended to bring together leading four-year-olds of the country over the classic trip of 2400m.
As the concept evolved, runners of varying distance capabilities were catered to as well. Nowadays, the first week of March each year sees the top Indian thoroughbreds competing in a two-day rotating carnival featuring four Grade 1 events.
In 2018, it is time for fans of the Indian turf to head east, for the eleventh time in the past six decades, as all roads lead to the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club.
On Saturday, it is the turn of the fleet of foot as also those replete with stamina to strut their wares in a pair of specialist events. First up at 3.15 p.m. is the Sprinters’ Cup (Grade 1, 1200m.), a race that has been a punter’s delight at Alipore as a rank outsider hasn’t had a look-in since Guindy Girl shocked in 1980.
The event is poised to carry on the tradition of being a haven for favourites as Ruffina towers over her nine rivals. Drawn 8, she may have to cover a little additional ground, but such is her acceleration that this should not inconvenience her in any way. All that her pilot needs to do is to get the timing right as her superior merit is not in any doubt. Multitude, Lincoln and Captain Courage should follow her home.
Forty-five minutes later, seven steeds of the stout variety will parade in front of the starting gates prior to the Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy Stayers’ Cup (Grade 1, 3000m.). The complexion of this event is altogether different and none of the runners appear to be the sort that one can “bet the farm on”.
Although the handicapper rates Jack Frost the highest, others have superior claims on form and Azzurro and Winter Renaissance should battle it out for the prize, with Ophion and Raees capable of springing an upset depending on the pace.
