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| Staff Writer |
Thursday’s fifth meeting of the 2021 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan was a high-quality one, officially highlighted by the Gr.2 Zabeel Mile. Here we review race race of evening and bring you the full finishing results:
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Gr.2 US$163,000 Zabeel Mile (1600m T)
Jim Crowley allowed to set a modest tempo on Eqtiraan but gave up the lead about 225m out while Art Du Val, a stable companion and James Doyle then made their bid for glory, leading for about 150m when snared by First Contact under Tadhg O’Shea.but D’Bai produced to lead in the dying strides under William Buick for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby.
This was the eighth career and second Group Two win for the 7YO Dubawi gelding.
Gr. 2 US$163,000 Balanchine (1800m T)
Godolphin's Charley Appleby claimed his third consecutive Balanchine with Summer Romance, under James Doyle.
Setting an early lead the 4YO Kingman filly, although Stylistique, second-most of the way around, was third here under Buick, her penalty for the Cape Verdi success did not help her chances here.
Gr.2 US$163,000 Meydan Sprint (1000m T)
One shouldn't under estimate the entertainment despite a small field with just five contenders. Charles Hills' trained Equilateral chased the trailblazing Caspian Prince for the first half of the race, before striding to the front. The Fitri Hay owned gelding previously raced for his breeder Khalid Abdullah. This was a seventh and biggest career success for Equilateral who also chased home stable companion Battaash in the Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last June.
Gr.3 US$125,000 UAE Oaks
Mnasek romped to victory under Pat Dobbs, who secured his third UAE Oaks win in six years. Owned by Al Rashid Stables, the daughter of Empire Maker won her debut, over 1400m, in December despite completely blowing the start. She was then very slowly away over 1600m in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas, staying on late to snatch second.
Gr.3 US$130,000 Al Shindagha Sprint (1200m D)
Watson and Dobbs completed a big race dirt double, with Al Tariq who had opened his UAE account, at just the third attempt, on his previous appearance when taking the 1000m Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, just 13 days ago.
Always traveling strongly under Dobbs, just behind the frantic early gallop set by Important Mission and Bochart, he eased past the latter before having to dig deep to finally collar the former in the final 50m. Hot favorite, Gladiator King, ran on for third, but never really threatened to defend the crown he won last year.
US$88,000 Curlin Stakes Listed Handicap (2000m D)
Ahmad bin Harmash trained New Trails claimed the Curlin Stakes on his seasonal debutant. Not seen in public for 348 days, Bin Harmash’s charge actually contested the 2019 Dubai World Cup, but disappointed in all five outings last season. This, his fourth career success, was his first since January 2019.
Jaguar XF Handicap (1600m D)
Mickael Barzalona in the silks of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum for Salem bin Ghadayer aboard Hypothetical settled in fifth before closing on the leaders as they turned for home. Barzalona’s mount found plenty when asked and always looked likely to catch Godolphin’s Bright Start who had been in front since about the 300m pole.