 |
|
| Superadmin |
 |
The Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint witnessed a stunning performance as West Acre confirmed his growing reputation with a determined victory in the AED 1,200,000 contest. Fresh from shattering the Meydan 1000m track record in the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint, the 3YO son of Mehmas displayed both class and tenacity to overcome a talented field of international sprinters.
Ridden patiently by Callum Shepherd for trainer George Scott, West Acre settled towards the middle of the pack as the race developed. Last year's winner Frost Dawn found himself on the back foot after a sluggish start, effectively eliminating his chances of a repeat success.
At the head of affairs, Ponntos set a strong gallop and maintained his advantage into the closing stages, looking momentarily as though he might pull off a front-running victory. However, as the finishing line approached, West Acre began to unleash his trademark turn of foot, gradually wearing down the leader in a display that showcased both his raw talent and fighting spirit.
"Dug deep," remarked jockey Callum Shepherd after the race, acknowledging the determined effort required to secure victory. "Ponntos put up a good fight. We will be ready in five weeks for the Al Quoz," he added, immediately setting sights on Dubai World Cup night's Gr.1 challenge.
Bhupat Seemar's Power Mode ran on well to claim third place, but this contest ultimately confirmed what many had suspected following the Blue Point Sprint – that in West Acre, connections have a potential global sprinting star on their hands.
The victory represents another significant milestone in the remarkable development of George Scott's stable star. Having initially made his mark on British all-weather tracks, the gelding has flourished in the desert environment, with his quirky personality finding a perfect home at Meydan and a training regime specifically tailored to his temperament.
"It is a rare moment on a racecourse that, as a trainer and owner, you really have your breath taken away. It is almost too good to be true at this stage," Scott had reflected following the colt's record-breaking performance in his last start, the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint.
This Super Saturday success now sets up a fascinating progression to the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night, potentially followed by an ambitious international campaign including Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes and further top-level targets around the globe.
For owner Michael Blencowe, whose racing interests have grown steadily from modest beginnings, West Acre represents the perfect embodiment of his racing ambitions – a talented, progressive sprinter with the potential to compete at the highest level on the world stage. As the cream rose to the top in this tightly-contested affair, racing fans were treated to another glimpse of what may well be a sprinting star in the making.