Listed UAE 1000 Guineas | Horse Racing Free Tips

‘Superman’ Aiming For Victory In Zabeel Mile

The G2 Zabeel Mile Presented By ARN is the showpiece during Friday's Dubai World Cup Carnival card at Meydan. The $180,000 1600-metre event has attracted a field of eight, five of which carry the Godolphin blue. However, the most intriguing runner is Michael O'Callaghan's dual group winner I Am Superman (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}).

Back from a successful sojourn Down Under where he landed the G2 Shannon S. in 2020 and the G2 Ajax S. in 2021 for Peter & Paul Snowden, the 7-year-old is hoping to tally a win in his third individual country. A three-time scorer in his native land and third in the G3 Desmond S. in 2019, I Am Superman was second in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. at Caulfield when last seen on Sept. 17.

“We're delighted with I Am Superman since arriving in Dubai,” said O'Callaghan. “He's in really good form ahead of Friday and Colin Keane is over to ride both him and Fastnet Crown (Ire) (Hallowed Crown {Aus}) [in the Dubai Eye 103.8 H.].”

Bearing the coveted blue cap among the Godolphin quintet is 2021 G1 2000 Guineas runner-up and dual group hero Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) for Charlie Appleby. He was last in action at HQ taking the G3 Earl Of Sefton S. in April.

Appleby, who is gunning for a sixth edition of the Zabeel Mile, said, “Master Of The Seas has settled in well in Dubai, but we are very much working back from Dubai World Cup night and Super Saturday. There will be some natural improvement from whatever he does here.”

Among trainer Saeed bin Suroor's three-pronged attack is Land Of Legends (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), whose biggest triumph was the 2021 G2 Al Fahidi Fort.

“This looks a tough race for the three of them,” said the trainer, who also saddles 2022 G2 Al Rashidiya winner Desert Fire (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Laser Show (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}).

Fillies To The Fore In Guineas Hunt

A select field of seven fillies vie for the first Classic crown of the season in Friday's $150,000 Listed UAE 1000 Guineas Presented By ARN. The 1600-metre dirt test is anchored by Harry Eustace's Cite D'Or (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). Already a two-time winner in the UK, the sixth-place finisher in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October is the first runner for her Haras de Colleville-based sire in Dubai and is making her dirt bow.

“She travelled out to Meydan on Dec. 29,” said majority owner Nick Bradley. “She's done everything right to date but the dirt is an unknown. She'll go from here to the [G3] UAE Oaks which has been her target since November.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's Mimi Kakushi (City Of Light) makes her first run back since storming home a two-length winner over Asawer (Nyquist) and Awasef (Cairo Prince) in a local 1400-metre conditions race at third asking on Dec. 23.

“Both fillies are in top form,” said Bin Ghadayer. “They are facing the same fillies they ran against before. :”I'm happy with Mimi Kakushi, even with the extra furlong from her last race,” said trainer Salem bin Ghadayer.

Al Khail Trophy Attracts Classic Hero

Bennett Racing's Ardakan (GB) (Reliable Man {GB}) steps up in trip to 2810 metres over the Meydan turf in the Listed Al Khail Trophy Presented By ARN, the third and final black-type race of the day. The 2022 G2 Italian Derby hero, formerly trained by Markus Klug, was placed in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin in August. His final run of the year was a fourth in Belmont Park's GIII Jockey Club Derby Invitational S. over 1 1/2 miles on Sept. 17.

“Ardakan joined us after his run in the US,” said Lucia Botti, overseeing the team in Dubai. “He's a lovely big, imposing, young horse whose plan is to run hopefully in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup. He has settled into his daily routine nicely here and we are all very excited to see him racing for us, up in distance, on Friday.”

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Real World Aims For Zabeel Mile Win

The highlight of Friday's Dubai World Cup Carnival card is the G2 Zabeel Mile Presented By Emaar Beachfront. Saeed bin Suroor's Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is riding a four-race winning streak since failing to win at the DWCC last term.

One of three in the race for Godolphin, the 5-year-old entire won Royal Ascot's Royal Hunt Cup in June and followed up in a Newbury listed affair a month later. Successful in the G3 Strensall S. versus Meydan Group 1 winner Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) on Aug. 21, he clawed his way to victory in the G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein when last seen on Oct. 2. Frankie Dettori was originally in the irons, but the Italian reinsman is off his mounts with covid, so Danny Tudhope takes his place.

“He's a different horse to the one we saw finishing placed three times last Carnival,” said Bin Suroor, who has won the Zabeel Mile in 2008 and 2012. “He really strengthened up and matured over the summer, progressing from handicaps to group company. He's been off the track since October, but we always planned to start him here, before looking at the Neom Turf Cup or the Saudi Cup. The G1 Jebel Hatta [sponsored by Emirates Airline] on Super Saturday could also be an option.”

Charlie Appleby's Godolphin pair of Zabeel Trophy hero Path Of Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and 2020 G3 Autumn S. winner One Ruler (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) are also signed on. The former got the job done over course and distance defeating Shadwell's Moqtarreb (GB) (Kingman {GB}) last out on Jan. 7, while the latter ran sixth.

“He [Path of Thunder] kicked off his Carnival by winning a conditions race over a mile, so now he's forced himself into group company,” said Appleby, who has won this race five times already. “He should be competitive in the Zabeel Mile.”

First Classic of the Season

The two-for-two Shahama (Munnings) towers over the six-horse field for the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas Presented By Dubai Marina By Emaar. Unveiled going seven furlongs here on Dec. 9, the KHK Racing colourbearer drew off by nine lengths with Doug Watson's Minwah (Cupid) a distant second. Kept at that trip when returned to action on New Year's Day, the half-sister to two-time US champion Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) was named a 'TDN Rising Star' with another easy win in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial for Fawzi Nass. Little Afrodite (Shackleford) was fourth that day, one better than Minwah. Three-time winner Hot Pink (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) is looking to return to the winner's circle after running fifth in her Meydan debut on Jan. 21.

Super Saturday Pointers

The 1200-metre Listed Dubai Sprint Presented By Dubai Creek Harbour By Emaar features a contentious field and Charlie Appleby sends out the duo of Man Of Promise (Into Mischief), who won this race last year, and Group 3 winner Lazuli (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“He missed his intended start a couple of weeks ago after spiking a temperature”, said Appleby of Man Of Promise. “I didn't want to run him at less than 100% as he's a horse we think can be competitive at the Carnival. He's back on song now.”

Shadwell's Mutaraafa (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), fresh off a victory in the Listed Dubai Dash on Jan. 14, two better than Motafaawit (Ire) (Intikhab), is also back for more. There is some Southern Hemisphere flavour with Will Clarken's group-placed Parsifal (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) fresh off the plane from Australia.

Among the field for the 2000-metre Listed Zabeel Turf Presented By The Valley By Emaar is 2021 G3 Dubai Millennium S. hero Star Safari (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby. Fourth in the Sept. 24 Listed Godolphin S. at Newmarket, the 6-year-old gelding was an encouraging second in the Listed Dubai Racing Club Classic locally on Jan. 14. Bin Suroor saddles Meydan handicap runner-up Dubai Mirage (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Hisaaki Saito trainee Integrant (Fr) (Frankel {GB}) is also one to watch, as he won the Listed Prix Lyphard at Deauville on Nov. 23.

The 2810-metre Listed Al Hail Trophy Presented By Dubai Hills Estate By Emaar features six horses bearing the royal blue of Godolphin. Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a dual listed winner at Meydan and one of four in the race for Saeed bin Suroor. Fifth in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night last year, he returned to take third at Kempton in November and was eighth to Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) in the G3 Bahrain International Trophy. He ran out a 5 1/4-length winner of the Listed Dubai Racing Club Classic on Jan. 14. Charlie Appleby's pair of listed-placed Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and G2 Queen's Vase hero Kemari (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) also take part, with Kemari running second in the G2 Prix Chaudenay in October.

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Dubawi’s ‘Whisper’ Stuns in UAE 1000 Guineas

Soft Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was anything but subtle when delivering a seven-length tour-de-force in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas at Meydan on Thursday night.

Forwardly placed from the bell, the heavy favourite charged straight to the head of affairs and dueled with Heshmah (Kitten's Joy) who passed her leaving the chute. Poised in second, the filly always appeared full of run and reinsman Frankie Dettori was practically motionless as Soft Whisper ranged alongside Heshmah with less than 600 metres remaining. It was only a matter of how far from there, with the relative of European highweight Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) running up a double-digit advantage by mid-stretch. Mnasek (Empire Maker), who completely blew the break, made up some late ground and cut into the margin at the line.

Winning the 1000 Guineas for the fourth time this century, Dettori said, “I am not sure how good the race was, but we could have won by twice as far and she could not have been more impressive. She seems to love that dirt surface and now has loads of options. Saeed and his team are talking about Saudi Derby, UAE Derby, UAE Oaks and all those type of races.”

Added trainer Saeed bin Suroor who was winning his 12th edition, “She gave me confidence when she won the last time. The filly has been improving all the time and this trip was much better for her, even nine furlongs in the future would be no problem for her. I talked to Frankie just now and he was happy at the way she finished the race. We will talk to Sheikh Mohammed and he will make a decision.

“She is a big and strong filly. She is a filly for the future. I have a lot of confidence for her future. We have entered her in the Kentucky Oaks also the European Classic Races. She is a top class filly, but the Classic races are hard to win and we're hoping for the best. ”

Second in a pair of novice races in July and August in the UK, the bay has now won four in a row, beginning with two nursury handicaps at Salisbury on Aug. 21 and Pontefract on Sept. 24. She also added a win in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial by 2 1/2 lengths on Jan. 7.

The third foal from her winning dam, Soft Whisper is followed by a Shamardal juvenile filly. Placidia is a half-sister to French highweight Policy Maker (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), group winners Pushkin (Ire) (Caerleon) and Place Rouge (Ire) (Desert King {Ire}), and the dam of G1 Prix Ganay winner Planteur (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). The latter's dam is already the granddam of the aforementioned Persian King. Click for the Racing Post result. VIDEO.

Thursday's Results:
UAE 1000 GUINEAS PRESENTED BY LONGINES-Listed, $125,000, Meydan, 1-28, 3yo, f, 8f, 1:38.67, fs.
1–SOFT WHISPER (IRE), 126, f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire)
1st Dam: Placidia (Ire), by Sea the Stars (Ire)
2nd Dam: Palmeraie, by Lear Fan
3rd Dam: Petroleuse (Ire), by Habitat
1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin; T-Saeed bin Suroor;
J-Frankie Dettori. $75,000. Lifetime Record: 6-4-2-0, $120,779.
2–Mnasek, 126, f, 3, Empire Maker–Washington Bridge, by
Yankee Gentleman. ($27,000 RNA Ylg '19 KEEJAN; $28,000 Ylg
'19 KEESEP; $15,000 2yo '20 FTIJUN). O-Al Rashid Stables LLC;
B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Doug Watson. $25,000.
3–Super Chianti, 126, f, 3, Super Saver–Tuscan Chianti, by
Roman Ruler. O/B-Charles E Fipke (KY); T-Doug Watson.
$12,500.
Margins: 7, 2 1/4, NK.
Also Ran: Khatun (GB), Nayefah, Heshmah, Revolutme (Ire).

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Females Centre Stage at Meydan on Thursday

Meydan's G2 Cape Verdi is the highlight on the Dubai Wold Cup Carnival card on Jan. 28. Of the eight fillies and mares signed on to the one-mile feature, a quintet carry the Godolphin blue and the highest rated at 108 is the Group 3 winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Summer Romance (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). A listed winner at Newmarket as a juvenile, the Charlie Appleby charge won the G3 Princess Elizabeth S. at Epsom on July 4 and was last of six in the G1 Prix Rothschild after making all for most of that contest. Her listed-winning and MGSP stablemate Althiqa (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) was last seen running second in the G3 Sceptre Fillies' S. in September.

“They are two nice fillies,” said Appleby, who has won the Cape Verdi the past two years. “Althiqa was very consistent in Europe last year, winning a listed race and placing in a Group 3. She looks ideal for this test.

“Summer Romance has wintered really well and has thrived in the sunshine. Her last start in a Group 1 just did not go to plan, but she showed at Epsom that she is a very useful filly.”

Saeed bin Suroor's Dubai Love (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) won the 2020 Listed UAE 1000 Guineas last January and followed up with a distant second in the G3 UAE Oaks on Feb. 20. Third in the Listed Al Bastakiya on Super Saturday in March, the bay was given some time off and returned to England for two mores starts, with her final appearance being a fourth in the G3 Musidora S. in July. She is joined by the three-for-three Aug. 23 Ffos Las handicap heroine Last Look (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and Stunning Beauty (Ire) (Shamardal), undefeated in a pair of novice stakes at Newmarket and Leicester in July and August, respectively.

“Stunning Beauty is a very talented, but somewhat quirky filly,” Bin Suroor said. “She looks the ideal type for the Cape Verdi and is unbeaten as is Last Look who has been given plenty of time as she is a bit fragile.

“Dubai Love is just a tough, genuine and versatile filly who landed the UAE 1000 Guineas on dirt last year.”

Charlie Fellowes sends out Anthony Oppenheimer homebred Perfect Inch (GB) in her first group test. The roan 4-year-old was second to Roger Varian's GSP Stylistique (GB) (Dansili {GB}) in the Listed Petite Etoile at Deauville on Nov. 24. Black-type winner Quiet Times (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}) finished second in Deauville's Listed Prix Miss Satamixa on Dec. 19 for trainer Pia Brandt; while Norwegian 1000 Guineas heroine Silent Night (Swe) (Night of Thunder {Ire}), who placed in a listed stake at Meydan last year, enters off a third in the Listed Lanwades Stud S. at Bro Park on Sept. 20.

Thursday's Listed UAE 1000 Guineas Presented by Longines features seven sophomore fillies, with the most accomplished being the three-time winner Soft Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Bearing the royal blue of Godolphin, the Saeed bin Suroor trainee has won her last three starts-breaking her maiden at Salisbury on Aug. 21, a four-length score at Pontefract on Sept. 24 and a 2 1/2-length tally in her Jan. 7 Meydan bow going 1400 metres. She faces several undefeated rivals including a pair from trainer Doug Watson.

Bin Suroor said: “Soft Whisper won twice in Britain last year and did well to win the trial after a slow start. The extra 200m should suit and we are expecting a big run.”

His 96-rated Mnasek (Empire Maker) drew off by 6 3/4 lengths in her lone start going seven panels on Dec. 17, with both the second and third-trainer Nicholas Bachalard's Nayefah (Super Saver) and Watson's Heshmah (Kitten's Joy)-also taking part in the first UAE Classic of the season. Owner Charles Fipke's Super Chianti (Super Saver) duly saluted for Watson when unveiled in a 1200-metre maiden race at Meydan on Nov. 19. For some Swedish flavour, Khatun (GB) (French Navy {GB}), representing the Dina Danekilde yard, breaks from the widest stall in seven after taking a six-furlong turf feature at Jagersro on Nov. 25.

Watson said: “Both are in flying form at home and we are really looking forward to trying them in this better class of race having just won a maiden apiece.”

High End (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) bears the blue cap for Godolphin in the 2000-metres Listed Zabeel Turf Presented by Longines earlier on the card. One of an octet in the race for the royal blue, the Saeed bin Suroor trainee, a three-time winner, played the bridesmaid in the Listed Foundation S. at Goodwood on Sept. 23. Another bin Suroor trainee who appears to be rounding into form is Royal Marine (Ire) (Ravens Pass), who won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp in 2018. He returns to action on the back of a runner-up effort in a Sept. 19 Newbury handicap. Charlie Appleby's stakes-placed Bright Melody (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) also takes part.

Satish Seemar's Senority (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) could prevent a Godolphin clean sweep and the 7-year-old gelding was second in the G3 Abu Dhabi Championship at Abu Dhabi last March. He was off the board in a Jan. 14 handicap locally. Majestic Mambo (SAf) (Mambo in Seattle), who ran second in the G1 Daily News 2000 in his native land, is also amongst the opposition and is saddled by Mike de Kock. Although winless in several tries in the desert, the 6-year-old gelding was fifth in the Abu Dhabi Championship in March.

Listed winner Raakib Alhawa (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) makes his Meydan debut for David Simcock and owner Khalifa Dasmal. The 5-year-old gelding, who landed the August S. at Windsor in August of 2019 was last seen running seventh in an Ascot handicap on Oct. 17.

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