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| Staff Writer |
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Imperial Emperor made a compelling case for Group One aspirations at Meydan on Thursday evening, delivering a commanding performance that has connections eyeing the Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge.
The Bhupat Seemar-trained gelding, carrying top weight of 62kg, demonstrated his superiority in the Palm Jebel Ali Handicap over 1600m. Under Tadhg O'Shea, he took control from 900m out, powering clear to score by seven and a quarter lengths from Khanjar, with Al Jaddaf in third.
Another syndicate-owned runner, Mendelssohn Bay, provided a thrilling finish in the Dubai Islands Conditions Stakes over 1900m. Under Pat Cosgrave, he engaged in a pulsating duel with stablemate Killer Collect, ultimately prevailing by a nose in a display of determination.
The evening's official feature, the Gr.2 Madjani Stakes, went to Unleashed, who secured his first Pattern success. The 5YO, trained by Dr Jaber Bittar and ridden by Richie Mullen, made all the running to defeat Kanaille De Faust and AF Yatwy.
Doug Watson enjoyed a productive evening with a double, initiated by Oasis Boy in the Nad Al Sheba Gardens Conditions race. The Asiatic Boy colt, ridden by Pat Dobbs, showed resilience to win by a quarter-length from Magic Petition.
The stable's success continued with Nyaar making all in the Como Residences Handicap, providing Dobbs with a double.
Noogool made a striking debut in the Palm Beach Towers Conditions Stakes. The Tonalist colt, despite being outpaced early, powered home under Andrew Slattery to win the 1200m contest.
The victory highlighted a strong evening for Seemar, who continues to build momentum this season.
Hong Kong trainer Danny Shum visited Meydan to inspect facilities ahead of Romantic Warrior's arrival. The nine-time Group One winner is targeting the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta on Fashion Friday, 24 January.
Previous winners of the Maktoum Challenge Round One include Thunder Snow, who went on to claim the Dubai World Cup, while Military Law and Capezzano have also tasted success in recent years.
"He trains like a smart horse and he broke on terms tonight," said O'Shea of Imperial Emperor. "He settles and he's easy, and like the majority of these Dubawis he's very good on dirt. We'll have to go back to the drawing board and see if we stretch out beyond a mile and aim for the Maktoum Challenge or something like that."
Racing continues at Meydan with Festive Friday on 20 December, followed by weekly fixtures throughout January.