 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Al Anoud showcased her tenacity with a gutsy victory in the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap at Goodwood yesterday, providing Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's Al Shaqab Racing with another festival success.
The Ralph Beckett-trained filly, partnered by Hector Crouch, was prominent throughout the 10-furlong contest and found plenty when challenged in the closing stages. Sent off at 7-2, the daughter of Kingman held off Power Of Destiny by a head, with Warda Jamila filling third spot.
Beckett said: "I was fairly confident Al Anoud would handle the drop back in trip. Even though they went no gallop, she didn't really get home over 12 furlongs at Pontefract last time."
The trainer added: "Al Anoud and Doha, who runs in the Nassau Stakes tomorrow, arrived in the same week with us last year after the July Meeting and you wouldn't have picked which was the better filly at the time. So we always thought this filly would graduate but we will see."
Looking ahead, Beckett suggested: "I think we will stick at this distance and there is a race for her at York's Ebor meeting."
Crouch, who gave the filly a perfectly-judged ride, said: "The race worked out nicely for us. We didn't feel she stayed the trip last time out at Pontefract, so we went back to a mile and a quarter. She saw the trip out well."
The jockey added: "She was in there off a big weight; I thought the Stoute filly would be tough to beat with the weight we were giving away, so no cribbing her ability."
With this battling performance, Al Anoud has proven her class and versatility, setting herself up for potentially bigger targets in the coming months.