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| Staff Writer |
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Dubawi Spectre continued his upward trajectory with a gritty three-quarters of a length victory in the Brooq Cup at Al Rayyan, following up on his recent Doha Cup success for trainer Gassim Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento.
Breaking from the widest draw, Casamento positioned the gelding perfectly behind early leader Account, who set steady fractions under Alberto Sanna. As the field turned for home, the race developed into a thrilling duel, with Dubawi Spectre finding an extra gear in the final 200m to overhaul the front-runner. Blazing Sunset stayed on for third, finishing six lengths adrift of the principals.
In the supporting card, Hardan demonstrated admirable tenacity to land the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap by a neck from Hazm Al Sulaimi, with Galeb Al Shahania filling the minor placing. The progressive Texas Storm CS secured his second victory of the campaign in the Purebred Arabian Handicap, narrowly denying Taaghi with Nirond back in third.
Colnago made a striking seasonal return in the Thoroughbred Handicap, powering clear by four and a half lengths from Ana Hadi and Silencer. The unbeaten Al Mustafiz maintained his perfect record with a dominant seven and a half length success over Almashahar and Aktolgali in the Purebred Arabian Handicap.
Earlier on the card, Thunder Flow broke his maiden in style, while 3YO Dhi Qar Zakhir impressed on just his second start with a six-length victory over Zahy Al Shahania and Mashhoor Al Hadi. The marathon opener saw Fareed KB edge out Farooh Al Shahania by a nose, with AJS Sinjaar eight and a half lengths back in third.
The Brooq Cup has previously been won by notable performers including last year's victor Desert Force, who went on to land the prestigious Qatar Gold Trophy, and 2022 winner Storm Damage, successful in multiple pattern races across the Gulf region.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.