In a historic moment for Indian racing, Karthik Ganapathy-trained Juliette achieved an unprecedented feat by clinching the prestigious Gr 1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup at the Kolkata racecourse for the third successive time with a record timing to boot. The eight-year-old marvel, Juliette, showcased an unparalleled performance that left her competitors trailing far behind. The Derby winners of different centres seemed diminutive in comparison as Juliette stormed to victory, widening the gap by a remarkable eight lengths under the guidance of her regular jockey, C S Jodha.

Juliette`s brilliance on the track could have yielded even more victories if not for a stroke of misfortune, encountering setbacks due to indifferent rides by her jockey on occasions. Despite missing out on competing in the Dubai Racing Carnival, Juliette`s presence at the Invitation Cup proved decisive in her mission to surpass Adjudicate`s record of two consecutive wins. With a breathtaking display of prowess, Juliette defied the odds, transforming from last to first in a matter of strides, leaving her rivals in awe and securing her place in racing history.

Trainer Karthik Ganapathy`s remarkable efforts have ensured Juliette remains in peak condition. However, the mare`s success owes not only to her trainer but also to the decision by her owners to keep her in training instead of retiring her for breeding after her classic campaign which has been the norm all these years. This uncommon choice paid off handsomely, especially when Zavaray Poonawalla took over ownership with ambitious plans to race her in the Dubai Racing Carnival. Although Juliette received an invitation, bureaucratic hurdles prevented her participation, leading the connections to redirect her focus towards the Invitation Cup, where she etched her name in history.

Her extraordinary determination and enthusiasm may persuade her connections to prolong her racing career. Zavaray Poonawalla lamented that Juliette was denied the opportunity for greatness in Dubai. Juliette, bred by the Sultan Singh-owned Sohna Stud Farm, shares her breeding grounds with this year`s Indian Derby winner, Enabler. Unfortunately, Enabler`s chances at the Invitation Cup were dashed due to an infection he contracted upon arrival.

Juliette, the darling of the crowd, received overwhelming support from punters, contrasting sharply with the lack of confidence in Synthesis and Jamari, evident from their unfavourable odds. Despite a sluggish start that saw her trailing in the last position, about 15 lengths adrift of the frontrunners Champions Way and Kalamisti, Juliette`s seasoned jockey, C S Jodha, maintained composure, allowing her to find her stride. By the final turn, Juliette effortlessly surged ahead, overtaking her competitors with ease. In a breathtaking display of dominance, she widened the gap between herself and the rest, crossing the finish line a remarkable eight lengths ahead, all achieved in a record time of two minutes and 26.78 seconds. For the record, dual Derby winner Jamari was second ahead of South India Derby winner Touch of Grey but both looked ordinary against the might of Juliette. Synthesis struggled, delivering a disappointing fourth-place finish.

The highly anticipated Gr 1 Major P K Mehra Memorial Super Mile unfolded according to expectations, with A Star Is Born, trained by Rajesh Narredu, showcasing his dominance on the Kolkata track by maintaining his unbeaten streak for the season. Guided by champion jockey Suraj Narredu`s expert hand, A Star Is Born clinched victory in a nail-biting finish, edging out Knotty Charmer in a tightly contested race. Despite South India 2000 Guineas winner Knotty Charmer holding the lead, A Star Is Born surged ahead in the final moments of the race, impeccably timed by Suraj to secure the win just before the post. Mumbai contender Mojito, anticipated to be a strong contender, faltered in delivering his signature burst of speed, settling for a tame third position, with De Villiers completing the frame.

Reflecting on the race, Suraj Narredu explained that the fierce pace set by the front-runners who were also principal contenders prompted him to strategically time his challenge, ultimately yielding the optimal outcome.