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| Staff Writer |
The Dubai Gold Cup, a prestigious two-mile turf race held annually at the magnificent Meydan Racecourse, witnessed a captivating display of tactical prowess on Saturday.
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Tower of London, a rising star expertly guided by the seasoned jockey Ryan Moore, surged to a dominant victory, leaving his rivals in his wake during this thrilling US$1 million Group Two contest.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien, a mastermind in the world of thoroughbred racing, couldn't contain his delight with 4YO's entire performance.
"You would have to be very impressed with that," he declared. "He has become a very classy horse. He is very pacey. He quickens so well." This sentiment echoed throughout the post-race interviews, highlighting Tower of London's transformation into a formidable force on the track.
Ryan Moore always had the leading pair in his sights and produced the son of Galileo with a sweeping run to win, going away by a length.
"We're delighted. We felt he would come on from Saudi Arabia, and all the staff have been pleased with him out here," said O'Brien.
"Ryan gave him a beautiful ride; he got it to spot on. What can you say about him? He's so cool. He saved ground on him and then dropped him on the line."
The race unfolded as a strategic dance, a test of patience and timing for horse and jockey. Libyan Glass, setting a deliberate pace at the front, dictated a slow and steady rhythm for the first half of the race. While other jockeys jockeyed for position, Moore remained remarkably composed. This strategic positioning, a testament to his experience and understanding of the Tower of London's capabilities, proved pivotal in the eventual outcome.
The pivotal moment came when he arrived as the field thundered into the home stretch. Siskany, a course specialist known for his finishing prowess on the Meydan turf, made a bold move, surging forward in an attempt to steal the lead. However, his challenge was short-lived, as his burst of speed quickly faded. This created an opening for Al Nayyir, ridden by the accomplished Christophe Soumillon. Al Nayyir emerged as a severe threat, pushing Tower of London for the lead. The crowd roared in anticipation as the two horses battled neck-and-neck.
However, seemingly saving his energy for the final push, he unleashed an astonishing burst of acceleration in the closing stages. This surge of power, a display of raw talent, and unwavering determination propelled him quickly past his competitors. With powerful strides, he separated himself from the pack, leaving a comfortable two-length cushion between him and Al Nayyir as they crossed the finish line.
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The brilliance of Tower of London's finishing kick garnered respect from his competitors. Jockey Christophe Soumillon, aboard the runner-up Al Nayyir, acknowledged his dominance:
"It was a great run. I was disappointed last time in Saudi Arabia, but the track was probably too firm, and he was hanging left a lot. Today, he was travelling easily. He started well, and we had a much better draw. I thought I would win it in the last 300 metres, but Tower of London is a great horse, and he came fast at the end."
While acknowledging that the slow pace initially favoured Al Nayyir, Adam Driver, representing owner Elbashir Salem Elhrari, conceded, "Delighted with that. The slow pace was perfect for him, as the trip is a bit of a question mark, and he's right on the edge of it. He could nick a few lengths, and everyone was playing catch-up. In Saudi Arabia, the pace was a little bit too strong, which didn't suit him. I'm sure he's going to be a fascinating horse, and we'll see what he does in Europe this year."
Trawlerman, another contender ridden by Kieran Shoemark, also put in a respectable performance.
"He ran a good race," reflected Shoemark. However, the horse seemed to struggle slightly with the fast-track conditions: "I think the ground was ultimately a bit too quick for him."
This highlights the importance of the jockey's strategy and the horse's suitability for the specific racecourse and terrain.
The late scratch of dual St. Leger winner Eldar Eldarov added a touch of drama to the pre-race buildup. A start-gate incident forced a veterinary withdrawal, much to the dismay of connections and spectators alike. This unexpected turn of events left a void in the race but also opened the door for the Tower of London to shine even brighter.
The O'Brien trainee's impressive victory wasn't just another win; it was a testament to his development and a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Fresh off his narrow victory in Saudi Arabia, he continued to showcase his talent for coming from behind and securing substantial wins. This consistency, coupled with his newfound finishing power, has positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Trainer O'Brien, with his keen eye for talent and strategic planning, hinted at Royal Ascot, a prestigious racing meet in England, as a potential target for Tower of London. He envisions races like the Hardwicke or the Coronation Cup as suitable challenges that would further test his capabilities. These races, known for attracting top-class horses from around the globe, would provide a thrilling stage for the talented colt to showcase his talent on a more comprehensive international platform.
Moore's Masterful Ride's Essence
Ryan Moore, the winning jockey, played a crucial role in Tower of London's success. His experience and tactical acumen were evident throughout the race.
"We had a position down the back, and I tracked Jim Crowley's horse (Sea Stone)," he explained. "He picked up well in the straight and put up an impressive performance."
This strategy of patiently waiting for the right moment before unleashing a powerful finishing kick proved to be the winning formula.
Part-owner Michael Tabor was enjoying his first trip to Dubai and undoubtedly thrilled with it, said, "I just felt that throughout the whole race, he had plenty in hand; everything suited him. He didn't have the greatest of draws, but Ryan is Ryan. Two miles is as far as he wants to go, and he's possibly better at a mile and a half. Ryan was adamant: Don't be frightened to return to a mile and a half. All those races are open to him."
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