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| Staff Writer |
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First Conquest has emerged as an exciting prospect for Charlie Appleby after storming to victory in the feature Lord North Handicap at Meydan on Friday evening, spearheading a memorable treble for the Godolphin operation.
The Dubawi gelding, stepping up to 1800m for the first time, overcame a challenging wide draw in stall 15 under Mickael Barzalona. Despite a tardy start, the progressive 4YO powered clear in the closing stages to defeat See Hector by four lengths, with favourite Arabian Light finishing third.
Earlier on the card, Appleby's domination began when Creative Story, partnered by William Buick, claimed the National Industrial Park Handicap over 1400m. The gelding travelled prominently throughout before asserting in the final furlong to beat The Camden Colt by a length and a half.
Buick completed his double aboard Symbol Of Honour in the Al Wasl Stakes, though the Havana Grey gelding was made to work hard, prevailing by a head over the George Scott-trained West Acre.
Jamie Osborne's exciting prospect Heart Of Honor maintained his unbeaten record in the opening Dubai Maritime City contest under Adrie De Vries. The Honor A.P. colt overcame kickback to defeat Royal Favour by two and a half lengths, earning himself a tilt at the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas.
Spanish-trained Thundering provided another international success in the JAFZA One Handicap over 2410m. The 6YO, making his debut for trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta, reeled in Kalidasa under Vaclav Janacek to score by a length and a half.
Ismail Mohammed's Barq Al Emarat dominated the Dubai Auto Zone Handicap, while Michael Costa's Tawalla impressed in the JAFZA Logistics Park Handicap over 1000m on turf. The evening concluded with Violent Justice providing trainer Doug Watson with success in the JAFZA Handicap, catching Local Dynasty in the shadow of the post under Sam Hitchcott.
The Dubai Racing Carnival continues next Friday with the Gr.2 Cape Verdi taking centre stage.
"My horse broke OK but wasn't fast enough to get up with the pace, so we took our time and the rhythm was OK," said Barzalona. "He was very good once he got a clear run. He's still an immature horse, but he did everything well today."
"He felt good over that trip, but there's no reason why he won't get a mile," said Buick of Creative Story. "It's hard to say what level he will get to, but he should improve off that tonight."
"He had to dig really deep," Buick added after Symbol Of Honour's victory. "I think he probably needed the race after a bit of a layoff but I really liked that when he got headed he battled back gamely."