IZZY IZ TOO GOOD IN THE CALCUTTA 1000 GUINEAS, GR.3

The start of the Calcutta Classics saw young trainer Aashay Doctor, nephew of trainer Arti Doctor bag his first Classic when Izzy (Western Aristocrat-La Joie De Vie) went on to beat the on-money favourite Abira in the Calcutta 1000 Guineas, Gr.3.

Abira raced in both the Mysore 1000 and 2000 Guineas coming second in the former to Cosmic Ray and third in the latter to Northern Alliance, so was expected to lift the trophy without much ado. But Suraj Narredu on Izzy had other plans. The Kolkata challengers set out a good pace while the favourite decided to sit on the rails in third with Izzy tracking her closely. As they got into the home stretch Abira got an opening and sailed away only to find the Calcutta Fillies Trial Stakes winner Izzy on her outside offering a serious challenge. With a lot of persuasion she gained on the leader with every stride and looked the winner well before the line. Abira held on to second 1½lengths away from the fast finishing Rosina. Izzy had beaten Rosina on two occasions; over 7f by 3 ½ lengths and by 2½ lengths in the Monsoon Derby. She didn’t allow that to happen the third time round as can be seen in the Calcutta Oaks.

The property of Mrs Menaka Gupta, Mr Viral Doctor, Mr Zadmal Singh, Mr Vishal Kamal Doctor, Mr Hemang Devendra Doctor & Mr Kamal J Doctor has now won four of her six starts as on date, and having run twice over the mile without success should be kept to distance where she can strike more often.