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| Rowan Anderson |
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“He has been a very consistent horse at this level and hopefully he can continue to do so,” racing manager of Shadwell, Angus Gold, speaks highly of Mostahdaf.
The son of Frankel showed his class once again winning the Neom Turf Cup convincingly for trainers John & Thady Gosden.
The George Boughey trained Missed the Cut was short favourite pre-race but Mostahdaf blew away the field winning by seven lengths over Dubai Future.
Under Jim Crowley and with the explosive turn of foot the surge was on as Mostahdaf devoured ground and taking his fourth Group Three in the process.
Gold said he would not be present to watch the race but frequent partner, Richard Hills, was their to watch the clinic by the Shadwell alumni.
“It'll be very interesting to see how he gets on. He's been very happy with his work here. And obviously, they've got to travel and he's a funny old character.
“He's got to behave himself and do everything right. But hopefully, we'll have a good chance on his best form.”
It was that best form and great chance called upon when Eagle’s Flight set the pace in this 2100m race but Crowley positioned the five-year-old son behind the leader and once he left the final bend, he kicked clear to win the race in 2:06.24.
"We had got a lovely trip around there and it was game over turning in. He loves fast ground and we knew he’d stay,” jockey Jim Crowley said.
"Everything went according to plan, we just wanted to sit where he was comfortable and he took me into the race.
"From a mile-and-a-quarter to a mile-and-a-half on fast ground he can be very good. John and Thady wouldn’t have run him in the Arc if they didn’t think he was a very good horse. Hopefully he can keep progressing."
Joint-trainer Thady Gosden was ecstatic with the victory from his star.
"We are thrilled to win the race. He was given a patient ride by Jim and we were lucky with the draw to be in barrier four. It was a little messy in behind him but thankfully we stayed out of all of that.
"His last race was obviously the Arc, but prior to that was in the September Stakes against useful horses and he quickened up quite well that day on a sounder surface. He's a versatile horse who is pretty comfortable in terms of trip. We'll talk to the owners and see if we take him to Dubai next month.
"We have been bringing horses here since the inaugural running of The Saudi Cup and it's great to be back and to see the development here every year. There is a great atmosphere here and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."
Dubai Future was an impressive runner up under Danny Tudhope and expect him to return next year for another shot at the Neom off the back of the run.
"He’s run a blinder, I am very happy with that. I had a nice position inside the winner and while he got away on us, we got second with a fair bit to spare. I have a nice record on this horse and he’s run a fine race again for me today."