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Meydan saw a return of racing yesterday with the running of the 1600m Listed Dubai Creek Mile. The race was won by Prince Eiji making up half of a double for the Pat Dobbs and Doug Watson partnership.
Purchased by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum who spent 2,600,000gns, via trainer Roger Varian, to secure the now 6yo gelded son of Dubawi as a yearling in 2017.
Out of the gates Avant Garde was a little sluggish but Danyah would hold the lead as the pace settled in initial stages.
Dobbs showed his skill riding on the inside rail and handling his mount comfortably to move to third with 600m left to run.
Finding the gap, the gelding was ridden through between the leading pair sweeping up to hit the lead strongly with 200m left of the trip.
Dobbs asked for that little extra from Prince Eiji as it extended on the lead margin crossing the line for the Dubawi-Izzi Top progeny’s second career win by one and a quarter lengths over the Irish Danyah and third placer Athletico El Cuano out of the Julio Olascoaga stable.
Dobbs was pleased post-race as he told media.
“He has had the summer here which has really helped him, and he is a lot bigger and stronger now. Hopefully he can have a big season.”
“I was impressed with that because we probably wanted to lead but so did many others and Pat settle him in behind. Luckily Pat was right, and it all worked out nicely,” trainer Watson added.
The partnership also delivered a win in the first of the card with the Mehmas gelding, Colour Up, taking out a 1200m maiden.
In another classy ride Colour Up was taken from the gate to sit fourth before being moved four deep and swept around wide gaining ground.
With 400m left to travel Dobbs pressed the button to take his ride out to a near seven length lead winning comfortably for the team.
It only took three shots to crack the maiden in the colours of Sayed Hashish, but it was the second time lining up for the Watson stable.
Watson said following the race that the distance was his ideal trip and that he was impressed with the performance.
In other noteworthy performances for the day was the combination of Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O’Shea finishing the day with two winning rides and a third.
By Rowan Anderson