Review: Shadwell's Danyah Bests The Astrologist In Gr.1 Al Quoz

Al Dasim is the horse of the moment in the sprints with the Harry Angel colt proven over the distance and coming into this was undefeated with a perfect four from four in Meydan. In his last start, he won by 2.25 lengths in the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint.

From the gates, Al Dasim had no space to do much of anything and his chances only lessened as the race progressed.

As the pace quickened and the field bunched up in the closing stages it was the colours of Shadwell worn by Danyah under Dane O’Neill that flashed home to win for local trainer Mussabbeh Al Mheiri in a major upset.

The Astrologist for trainer Troy Corstens travelled from Australia to finish runner-up after a massive performance under Damian Lane and the Charlie Appleby-trained Al Suhail finished third.

Al Mheiri commented on the performance of his runner.

“He had been running over seven furlongs and a mile and we had an invite for the Godolphin Mile but we thought we would try him over six (furlongs) in the Al Quoz. We felt he had enough speed to run well and maybe finish in the placings but to win is a very nice surprise. Great credit to Shadwell for how they planned it and it is a special day for us all.”

Jockey Dane O'Neill admitted the result exceeded all expectations.

“I’d be lying if I said we were confident beforehand. We thought possibly prize money and that would be great as he has a good cruising speed. It was worth a chance but the low draw in gate five was a concern. It was funny they stayed away from the stands side and I got a great draft into the race behind the second horse and he finished very strongly like a horse that gets further.”