 |
|
| Rowan Anderson |
 |
The blackbooks would have been cracked following Sunday’s meeting at Meydan with the winners showing potential of what is to come through the Carnival
Decidious lined up for his second start in the UAE following a fifth placing earlier this month over the 1900m under Royston Ffrench.
Trained by Salem bin Ghadayer it was Mickael Barzalona with the ride now over the further trip of 2410, with the gelded son of Dubawi seeming to relish the further distance. From the gate he sat fourth before moving further back under the handy ride of Barzalona. Letting Sea Stone get out by four lengths for most of the trip Decidious was moved in to the rail with 200m to run before being asked for more and cruising through a passage past the leading two to get the lead with 100m and win by a 1.25 lengths. It was a very impressive ride from the hoops and this gelding is might now earn a spot at the Dubai World Cup Carnival off the back of the performance and the win in the Fazaa Gold Handicap.
“He won very easily, although I had to take my time in the straight when I thought I could go inside and I could not, so I had to go right,” said Barzalona. “Royston [Ffrench, jockey] was very happy with him last week over a mile and one (1800metres). He suggested going up in trip and he was right.”
Barzalona returned to the winner’s circle once again in the Fazaa Platinum Handicap in another close victory, but another that is sure to get people’s attention.
This time on the Simon & Ed Crisford trained Stormy Ocean it was his local debut after not having won anywhere since January 2022.
Also the first start for the Crisford’s after moving from the Charlie Appleby yard, Barzalona and the Frankel colt were ready to put on a show.
Travelling just behind the leaders they hit the front inside the final furlong, posting a comfortable success over Franz Kafka and Perfect Love.
“It’s the first time for me to ride him at the races,” said Barzalona.
The ride is sure to have earned the 4YO a spot in the Carnival.
“He was strong at the beginning and then settled well and he has a good action, so hopefully he can progress.”
The largest win of the night came from the Michael Costa-trained Alhzeem in the Fazaa Discount Maiden winning by a massive nine lengths.
The 5YO broke his maiden in January last year but with Jean Van Overmeire retained in his third booking with the gelding going on to thump the eleven horse field.
Van Overmeire was confident and excited for how the partnership with Costa was going.
“Its all very positive here in Dubai and will continue to be. The horses are in tremendous form.”