It's entirely possible that Juddmonte's Laurel River (Into Mischief) managed to upstage him Saturday with an absolutely stunning, front-running tour-de-force in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan, a result that even those closest to him may not have anticipated.

Winner of the 2022 GII Pat O'Brien S.–where a horse called Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) was third–Laurel River was somewhat controversially withdrawn from that year's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, a race for which he was likely to be favored. Sidelined for a spell, Juddmonte elected to transfer their homebred from Bob Baffert to the Dubai-based stable of leading trainer Bhupat Seemar in the summer of 2023.

To say things were off to an inauspicious beginning in the Emirates would be an understatement of monumental proportions. Laurel River faded tamely to finish seventh in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint on local debut in late January, but as disappointing as that effort was, he bounced back to post an equally emphatic 6 3/4-length victory in the G3 Burj Nahaar on Super Saturday to punch his ticket to World Cup night.

Conventional wisdom dictates that winning the Burj Nahaar leads to a start in the G2 Godolphin Mile over the same course and distance on the big night, but Seemar and the Juddmonte braintrust called an audible and routed the six-year-old to the G1 Dubai World Cup instead: a race 12 times as valuable, but incrementally more challenging on a few levels, not least the 2000-metre distance of the race. Additionally, the Godolphin Mile was likely to attract the speedy Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) and defending champion Isolate (Mark Valeski), and opting for the World Cup would eliminate the possibility of a suicidal pace duel.

“I feel like the 10 furlongs is a stretch for him, but that is a speed-favoring track and he might be the lone speed,” Juddmonte's Garrett O'Rourke told the TDN when World Cup plans were confirmed Mar. 7.

After drawing 12 of 12 at Wednesday's barrier draw at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, many would have further downgraded the chances of Laurel River, reasoning that a horse already questionable to see out the trip would have to go hard–perhaps too hard–in order to secure the front. After all, another speedball–Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn})–had similar misfortune at the draw last year and dropped away to finish well down the field.

But there would be no such repeat Saturday evening, as Laurel River decisively surged into a clear lead with a half-mile to travel and went on to score by 8 1/2 lengths, the largest margin of victory in a World Cup at Meydan.

“I'm still coming to terms with what's happened,” Seemar said. “I think it'll probably sink in in another day or two. It's absolutely amazing. [Jockey] Tadhg [O'Shea] said this morning 'we're drawn 12, I'm not going to be two-minded about it, I'm going to go forward.'”

And go forward he did, sliding over to lead three off the inside with a circuit to travel as he had Military Law (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Dura Erede (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) for early company. As they turned towards the backstretch, Defunded (Dialed In) circled up so as not to sit wide the trip, and the two of them controlled the pace through the middle stages.

They put the better part of a half-dozen lengths on Dura Erede and the rail-skimming international favorite Kabirkhan (California Chrome) rounding the turn, and by the time Laurel River passed the 600-meter pole, it was really all over but the shouting. Showing no signs of stopping as he hit the top of the lane, Laurel River opened up by perhaps as many as 10 lengths  and jogged it in from there.

Senor Buscador got first run on defending champion Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), but was run down on the wire for second while adding another $1.2 million to his $10-million grab in the G1 Saudi Cup Feb. 24.

“He brings it every time, he ran a really good race,” said trainer Todd Fincher. “He might have started his run a little early trying to catch Laurel River and maybe that cost us a placing. Hats off to Laurel River, he freaked on everybody there.”

Of the winner, Seemar added, “”He's got so much natural pace. He comes out of the gate and this is why we ran him over six furlongs [in the Al Shindagha].

“Tadhg was able to get some easy fractions and then I saw Defunded coming on his outside but he just kept on going further. I expected to see all the closers flying at him but he kept going.”

For the better part of two decades, O'Shea has pounded the pavement on the Emirates Racing Authority, and he was basking in the afterglow of his Saturday achievements. He also guided Tuz (Oxbow) to an open-lengths success in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, his second in three years after missing by a nostril with defending champion Switzerland in 2023.

“I've been fortunate enough to have had Dubai World Cup night winners but you don't get many opportunities and I'm going to be forever grateful to Juddmonte for keeping me on the horse, they could use anyone and they're a worldwide operation that's really successful,” said O'Shea.

“When he had his first run for the stable, we thought he'd disappointed, but we never lost faith. He was explosive last time and I said the other morning to Bhupat, I pulled him aside and said I'd never ridden a horse with his ability ever. And he'd just done an easy work on his own.

“With the dirt you can't be half-hearted, you have to go forward. If he didn't stay, he didn't stay. We were aware of that. The main thing that won the race, it's easy to say when you win, but I was able to keep filling him up and filling him up.”

Kabirkhan sat a good inside trip, but failed to go on in the lane and finished eighth, beaten over 18 lengths.

“He was beaten a long way out,” commented his jockey Pat Dobbs. “I knew leaving the back straight he wasn't the same horse as before.”

Of the remaining Americans, Newgate (Into Mischief), Crupi (Curlin) and Clapton (Brethren) finished a distant eighth, ninth and 10th, respectively.

Pedigree Notes:

Laurel River is the 20th Grade I winner for Into Mischief and is bred on the same cross over Empire Maker responsible for 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun, while other top-level winners from Fappiano-line mares include champion Covfeve, Gina Romantica, Doppelganger and Atone. Additional stakes winners by Into Mischief out of Empire Maker dams include Grade III scorers Occult and Center Aisle and Juddmonte's late Taraz.

On paper, Laurel River is bred to stay the mile and quarter and perhaps further, as his first two dams are by Belmont S. winners. Juddmonte purchased Laurel River's second dam Soothing Touch for $550,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September sale, and while she didn't work out as a racemare, she's excelled in the breeding shed.

The mare is the dam of six winners from 10 to race, including her first foal Emollient (Empire Maker), victorious in the 2013 GI Central Bank Ashland S. and the Juddmonte-sponsored GI Spinster, and her four winners as a broodmare include G2 Prix de Malleret winner Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and French listed winner Ardent (Frankel {GB}).  Soothing Touch has also accounted for Hofburg (Tapit), a stakes winner and third in the GI Belmont S; and stakes winner Courtier (Tapit).

The second foal from Soothing Touch, Laurel River has a 2-year-old half-sister by Constitution, a yearling half-brother by that son of Tapit and produced a full-sister to Laurel River four days after his victory in the Burj Nahaar.

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
DUBAI WORLD CUP SPONSORED BY EMIRATES AIRLINE-G1, AED12,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 10f, 2:02.31, fs.
1–LAUREL RIVER, 126, h, 6, by Into Mischief
                1st Dam: Calm Water, by Empire Maker
                2nd Dam: Soothing Touch, by Touch Gold
                3rd Dam: Glia, by A.P. Indy
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Inc
(KY); T-Bhupat Seemar; J-Tadhg O'Shea. $6,960,000. Lifetime
Record: GSW-US, 10-6-1-0-1, $7,470,676. Click for the
free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Ushba Tesoro (Jpn), 126, h, 7, Orfevre (Jpn)–Millefeui Attach
(Jpn), by King Kamehameha (Jpn). (¥25,000,000 Wlg '17
JRHAJUL). O-Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings Co Ltd; B-Chiyoda Farm
Shizunai (JPN); T-Noboru Takagi. $2,400,000.
3–Senor Buscador, 126, h, 6, Mineshaft–Rose's Desert, by
Desert God. O-Sharaf Mohammed Al Hariri & Joe R Peacock Jr;
B-Joe Peacock Sr & Joe Peacock Jr (KY); T-Todd W Fincher.
$1,200,000.
Margins: 8HF, NK, 4 3/4.
Also Ran: Wilson Tesoro (Jpn), Dura Erede (Jpn), Derma Sotogake (Jpn), Defunded, Kabirkhan, Newgate, Crupi, Clapton, Military Law (GB). Click for the ERA chart & video.

WOW! #7 LAUREL RIVER dominates the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) in front-running fashion!

The @JuddmonteFarms homebred was perfectly ridden by @OsheaTadhg for trainer Satish Seemar. Congratulations to the connections! pic.twitter.com/NYZEeSYF7m

— TVG (@TVG) March 30, 2024

The post Juddmonte Juggernaut! Laurel River Wins Dubai World Cup By An Imposing Margin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Under Maxime Guyon, who won this race in 2015 with Solow (Singspiel {Ire}), Facteur Cheval bided his time far back, midfield but in the clear, as Feb. 25 G2 Nakayama Kinen winner Matenro Sky (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) went to the early lead with three-time Group 1 heroine Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) a close second. The field was cluttered up early with Japanese hope and multiple Group 1 scorer Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) unlucky and in receipt of a rough trip.

Facteur Cheval tipped out into the lane, hooking up with diminutive Japanese Group 1 heroine Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), who commenced an even-wider run from even further back than the eventual winner. The two finished so close a photo was required to determine the gold medallist, who got there by a short head. Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), runner-up in this event last year, finished third. The final time for the 1800 metres was 1:45.91.

“It's just amazing, I have no words,” said trainer Jerome Reynier, a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program. “I see a horse here that has been prepared the best way possible by [work rider] Gregory [Davignon] and it's just amazing, I can't believe it.

“I said to Maxime I've never seen this horse go backwards at the finish, he is always going forward and giving his best. I had no doubts about the distance and Maxime has given him a perfect ride; he had Lord North to follow and he switched off during the race.

“He switched him to the outside and then waited long enough to save something for the end and that's just amazing. I am so happy for all my team.”

Reynier also said Facteur Cheval would likely stay in Dubai, where he has reportedly thrived, and would possibly train up to the Apr. 28 G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Hong.

The Dubai Turf winner won the first four starts of his career in France in 2022 before finishing that year with his first group score in the G3 Prix Perth at Saint-Cloud. Although he failed to visit the winner's circle in 2023, he was never worse than third and placed in four consecutive Group 1 events. He was last seen finishing second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot Oct. 21. The Dubai Turf victory marked the kickoff of his 2024 campaign.

With a fourth Dubai Turf not in the cards, Lord North appeared to exit his eighth-place finish well.

“He had a great spot, great cover,” said regular Dubai partner Frankie Dettori. “He travelled great into the straight, but he just didn't have the gears that he had in the past. We are all getting older, right?”

Pedigree Notes

Facteur Cheval is the first Group 1 winner for France's Ribchester, a resident of Darley's Haras du Logis, and one of nine black-type winners for the son of Iffraaj (GB) worldwide, which include two group winners in Australia. A four-time Group 1 winner himself between England and France, Ribchester also was third in the 2017 Dubai Turf. Facteur Cheval, one of 102 stakes winners out of a daughter of the late Shamardal, is a member of his sire's first crop.

The unraced Jawlaat, a Shadwell-consigned 18,000gns purchase in 2016 at Tattersalls February by McCracken Farms–breeder of Facteur Cheval–has a yearling colt by Sottsass (Fr). She is a half-sister to multiple group winner Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and hails from the same family as Shadwell's multiple Group 1 winner Tamayuz (GB) (Nayef).

Jawlaat was a third-generation Shadwell-bred whose fifth dam, Allegretta (GB) (Lombard {Ger}), produced both 2000 G1 2000 winner King's Best (Kingmambo) and the immortal Urban Sea (Miswaki). The latter–herself winner of the 1993 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe–is responsible for a breed-shaping dynasty, not least through her sons Galileo (Ire) and Sea The Stars (Ire).

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
DUBAI TURF SPONSORED BY DP WORLD-G1, AED5,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 9fT, 1:45.91, gd.
1–FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE), 126, g, 5, by Ribchester (Ire)
                1st Dam: Jawlaat (Ire), by Shamardal
                2nd Dam: Riqa (GB), by Dubawi (Ire)
                3rd Dam: Thamarat (GB), by Anabaa
1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (145,000gns Wlg '19 TATFOA;
€120,000 Ylg '20 ARDEAY). O-Team Valor International & Gary
Barber; B-McCracken Farms (IRE); T-Jerome Reynier; J-Maxime
Guyon. $2,900,000. Lifetime Record: GSW & MG1SP-Fr, G1SP-
Eng, 14-6-4-3, $3,748,163. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Namur (Jpn), 121, m, 5, Harbinger (GB)–Sambre Et Meuse
(Jpn), by Daiwa Major (Jpn). O-Carrot Farm Co Ltd; B-Northern
Farm (JPN); T-Tomokazo Takano. $1,000,000.
3–Danon Beluga (Jpn), 126, h, 5, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Coasted, by
Tizway. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (¥160,000,000 Wlg '19
JRHAJUL). O-Danox Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm (JPN); T-Noriyuki
Hori. $500,000.
Margins: SHD, 3/4, HF.
Also Ran: Measured Time (GB), Do Deuce (Jpn), Straight Arron, Calif (Ger), Lord North (Ire), Nashwa (GB), San Donato (Ire), Real World (Ire), Cairo (Ire), Voyage Bubble (Aus), Luxembourg (Ire), Matenro Sky (Jpn). Also Ran (DNF): Catnip.
Click for the ERA chart & video.

O-Team Valor International LLC and Gary Barber; B-McCracken Farms (Ire); T-Jerome Reynier.

Facteur Cheval just denies Namur in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World.

A French winner for Jerome Reynier and Maxime Guyon. pic.twitter.com/dC3Nw7VZSt

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024

The post Facteur Cheval Upends Dubai Turf, Lord North Off the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Tuz won three starts at Pyatigorsk Hippodrome by the better part of 50 lengths was making his fourth straight appearance on World Cup night, finishing well-beaten in the G2 Godolphin Mile in 2021 and 2022 before finishing seventh in last year's Golden Shaheen. Victorious on that occasion was Sibelius (Not This Time), who just outfinished the Bhupat Seemar-trained defending champion Switzerland (Speightstown).

A disappointing 10th to the re-opposing Remake (Jpn) (Lani) when last seen in the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint Feb. 24, having previously impressed in the G3 Dubawi S. over course and distance Jan. 5, Tuz bounced well from gate two beneath Tadhg O'Shea and fought out the early fractions with the 1305-pound Japanese monster Don Frankie (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), with Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) close in tow.

Somewhat hesitant to take a gap inside of Don Frankie, who set the pace from the two path, Tuz pinned his ears, went through the hole at the fence and powered home to a comprehensive success. Nakatomi (Firing Line), third in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, was last into the straight, but finished willingly for third ahead of a slow-starting Remake.

“He's got so much natural speed; his weapon is his speed,” said Seemar. “He's always been a fast horse and it's like Switzerland–he ran poorly in Saudi and then won the Shaheen. Sprinters mature and they know what to do. I had some confidence.”

Added O'Shea: Winning jockey Tadhg O'Shea said: “He's very fast. We had a great gate number [two] but we were getting pressured a long way out. He had to be good and tough. There wasn't much room to manoeuvre down the inside, but I had a good, willing partner. He's a big horse. When he straightened up, he went through the eye of a needle. I was a length down off Cristian [Demuro] on the home turn. I gave [Tuz] a squeeze and the response was immediate.”

Pedigree Notes:
With the victory, Tuz becomes the second elite-level winner for his sire, whose GI Pennsylvania Derby-winning son Hot Road Charlie was runner-up to Country Grammer in the 2022 G1 Dubai World Cup.
Bluegrass Hall acquired dam Suede Shoe, a daughter of Grade II winner Grande Melody, for $42,000 carrying to U S Ranger at the 2012 Keeneland November Sale and Tuz, who sold for just $7,000 at Keeneland September in 2018, is one of five winners from seven winners to race from the mare. The third dam Crystal Melody was a half-sister to G1 Fillies' Mile winner Crystal Music (Nureyev).
Suede Shoe is also the dam of the 3-year-old filly Vive La Vie (Demarchelier {GB}) and was most recently covered by Caracaro.

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN SPONSORED BY NAKHEEL-G1, AED2,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:10.19, fs.
1–TUZ, 126, g, 7, by Oxbow
                1st Dam: Suede Shoe, by Pulpit
                2nd Dam: Grande Melody (Ire), by Grand Lodge
                3rd Dam: Crystal Melody (GB), by Nureyev
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. ($7,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP). O-Dakki Stable;
B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Bhupat Seemar; J-Tadhg O'Shea.
AED1,160,000. Lifetime Record: 19-6-3-4, $1,581,629. Click for
   the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Don Frankie (Jpn), 126, h, 5, Daiwa Major (Jpn)–
Weemissfrankie, by Sunriver. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE.
(¥68,000,000 Wlg '19 JRHAJUL). O-Makoto Hayano; B-
Northern Racing (JPN); T-Takashi Saito. $400,000.
3–Nakatomi, 126, g, 5,  Firing Line–Applelicious, by Flatter.
($18,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '20 FTKOCT; $205,000
HRA '23 FTKHRA). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Hay, Mrs. Fitriani;
B-Arnold Zetcher LLC & Crestwood Farm (KY); T-Wesley Ward.
$200,000.
Margins: 6HF, 3/4, 1 1/4.
Also Ran: Remake (Jpn), Igniter (Jpn), Leading Spirit (Ire), Run Classic, Mouheeb, Keiai Dorie (Jpn), Bold Journey, Sibelius, Hopkins, Freedom Fighter, Colour Up (Ire).
Click for the ERA chart & video.

A daylight victory for #14 TUZ, who romps home in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). @OsheaTadhg in the irons for trainer Satish Seemar. pic.twitter.com/4QJgHjX0aO

— TVG (@TVG) March 30, 2024

The post Oxbow’s Tuz Springs the Upset in Dubai Golden Shaheen, Sibelius Off the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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It was the first UAE Derby win for both Fujita and Yahagi, as well as for rider Ryusei Sakai. The win was particularly poignant for Yahagi, whose father had passed away in Japan just hours earlier.

“My teacher, mentor, and father passed away this morning and I want to dedicate this win to him,” an emotional Yahagi said following the race.

Forever Young overcame a wide break from Meydan's stall 11 Saturday and sat outside but prominently in the early first flight before settling into a wide fifth, feeling the breeze while in the clear. Little changed up front as Southern Hemisphere stablemates Oasis Boy (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg} and Auto Bahn (Arg) showed the way until heading into the homestretch, when Auto Bahn put away his fellow Julio Olascoaga trainee as Forever Young loomed menacingly to his outside. Sakai gave the bay winner a few right-handed taps of the whip as Auto Bahn yielded. Forever Young drew clear by two lengths under a late hand ride with his ears pricked as conditioner Christophe Clement's last-out Gander S. winner Pandagate closed from his penultimate running spot with long, easy strides to wind up several lengths back in third.

Yahagi reiterated several times the Kentucky Derby will be the next target for the winner.

“Of course it will be very difficult to manage the horse's condition from Dubai to Kentucky, but I really believe my team will be able to get him in good order,” said Yahagi.

Kentucky is not an option for Auto Bahn, as he is a 4-year-old on Southern Hemisphere time.

Jockey Dylan Davis, Pandagate's rider, indicated he felt his colt may benefit from a longer distance than the 1900 meters of the Saudi Derby. “We found some good rhythm. When they punched, they just had a better kick than me and my horse just kept fighting for third and he managed to prevail for third. Shipping all the way and performing on this stage–he showed that he improved again. He got there well, he is kind of a stayer. He hasn't got a big turn of foot but getting further should be no problem.”

Forever Young, who made his first two career starts at nine furlongs, has never been beaten. He made three trips to the starting gate as a 2-year-old in Japan, getting started last October at Kyoto and reeling off three consecutive victories at three different tracks, culminating with listed wins in the JBC Nisai Yushun and the Zennippon Nisai Yushun. With performances of a caliber that made him the highest-rated dirt juvenile in Japanese history, Forever Young tackled the world stage next, where word was already out that this colt might be something special. He didn't disappoint despite a less-than-ideal trip in the $1.5-million G3 Boutique Group Saudi Derby at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 24. The head victory may have been his only winning margin shy of daylight, but it was in such a manner–where he ran down what looked to be a clear winner–that he was clearly the horse to beat in the UAE Derby.

“He did not travel well from Japan to Saudi Arabia so he was not in great condition but he still performed very well,” said Yahagi. “After traveling from Riyadh to Dubai he improved and he has so much potential, I always have a lot of confidence in him.”

Winning owner Fujita concurred that Forever Young will travel next to Kentucky. “This is only my third season as an owner with the Japan Racing Association and I have already found a champion racehorse. He continues to attract international attention for the Kentucky Derby, which tells me that he should have a good chance. Looking forward I would like to underline that I would like to win the Dubai World Cup.”

Pedigree Notes:

Shadai Stallion Station's Real Steel, himself a big winner in Dubai when he took the G1 Dubai Turf in 2016, is also a full-brother to U.S. and Japanese champion Loves Only You (Jpn), winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in 2021. With just two crops to the races thus far, Real Steel has three black-type winners, all in group company. Forever Young is his first stakes winner outside of Japan. Forever Young is also one of 26 black-type winners worldwide out of a daughter of Congrats, a son of A.P. Indy who was pensioned from stud duty at WinStar Farm after the 2021 season.

Forever Darling, winner of the 2016 GII Santa Ynez S., was exported to the UK in 2017, bred to Frankel (GB), and shipped to Japan, where she has remained. She has a 2-year-old filly by Kizuna (Jpn) and a yearling filly by Epiphaneia (Jpn). Bred for 2024 to Rey de Oro (Jpn), Forever Darling is a half-sister to 2017 GI Darley Alcibiades S. winner Heavenly Love (Malibu Moon), dam of $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga topper and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). The latter most recently won the Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. and is pointing to Keeneland's GI Toyota Blue Grass next week. Other members of the family include 2004 Japanese Horse of the Year Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn) (Sunday Silence), a half-brother to Forever Young's granddam, MSW & MGISP Darling My Darling.

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
UAE DERBY-G2, AED1,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo, 9 1/2f, 1:57.89, fs.
1–FOREVER YOUNG (JPN), 121, c, 3, by Real Steel (Jpn)
                1st Dam: Forever Darling (SP-US, $113,733),
                                by Congrats
                2nd Dam: Darling My Darling, by Deputy Minister
                3rd Dam: Roamin Rachel, by Mining
(¥98,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL). O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern
Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi; J-Ryusei Sakai. $580,000. Lifetime
Record: MSW-Jpn, GSW-Sau, 5-5-0-0, $2,630,648. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Auto Bahn (Arg), 131, c, 3, Asiatic Boy (Arg)–Autografiada
(Arg), by Giant's Causeway. 1ST GROUP BLACK-TYPE. O-Sheikh
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum; B-Al Adiyaat Argentina
S.A (ARG); T-Julio Olascoaga. $200,000.
3–Pandagate, 121, c, 3, Arrogate–Kitty Panda, by Sky Mesa.
1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. ($130,000 Ylg '22 SARAUG).
O-Adelphi Racing Club, Madaket Stables LLC, Corms Racing
Stable and On The Rise Again Stable; B-Fred W. Hertrich III
(NY); T-Christophe Clement. $100,000.
Margins: 2, 4 3/4, 1.
Also Ran: Mendelssohn Bay, Navy Seal (Ire), Ballon D'Or (Jpn), Rock Walk (Uru), Guns And Glory, Oasis Boy (Arg), George Tesoro (Jpn), Henry Adams (Ire). Scratched: Killer Collect, Satono Phoenix (Jpn). Click for the ERA chart & video.

FOREVER YOUNG フォーエバーヤング!!

The Japanese raider books his ticket for the @KentuckyDerby with a win in the the UAE equivalent. #DWC24

pic.twitter.com/7aVESHaoHr

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) March 30, 2024

The post Japan’s Forever Young Remains Undefeated in UAE Derby, On to Kentucky appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The winner cruised up to track the early leader Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) in this straight test. Always moving freely well off the fence, California Spangle seized the baton with 400 metres to travel, while in a smooth rhythm under Brenton Avdulla. Not asked for much while just ahead on the front end, the bay nevertheless was holding his rivals safe, despite never opening up daylight. Star Of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), a 'TDN Rising Star' in the capable hands of Frankie Dettori, was weaving her way toward the Hong Kong raider while in receipt of 13 pounds, but no matter how hard she tried, she was unable to bridge the gap and settled for second, three-quarters of a length behind. It was the same margin back to Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence), who had also made up ground to be third.

The time of 1:07.50 lowered the course record of 1:07.61 set by Wildman Jack (Goldencents) in the 2020 G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint.

Winning trainer Tony Cruz said, “I knew it would happen sooner or later. I got this opportunity and I came with a lot of confidence that we would win this race today.

“The family–the 'California family'–is here today. Howard Liang, whose horses usually are named California, passed away recently so I would like to dedicate this win to him. We are over the moon with this, the owner's wish was always to win these big races. I wish he was here tonight but his whole family is here and we're going to celebrate together.”

Representing the owners, Chester Liang said, “The horse means a lot to my family and I and I'm really happy that we were able to win. Tony said if he won last time in Hong Kong, then we'd come. He did, we decided the horse was in good form, so we came. This was my dad's favourite horse, so he always means a lot. He is probably looking down on us.”

An €150,000 yearling out of the Goffs Orby Sale in 2019, the bay was later bought by Badgers Bloodstock for the late Howard Liang. He first began accruing group victories in 2022, and signed off that campaign with a neck victory in the G1 Hong Kong Mile over Hong Kong superstar Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) that December. The consistent gelding continued to burnish his resume with scores in the G2 Chairman's Trophy and G2 Sha Tin Trophy H. last term. However, he would go winless in his next four starts, until claiming the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup by a length earlier this month.

“I think we'll go into sprint races back in Hong Kong, that's the end of April [the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize],” Cruz added. “We'll take on Lucky Sweynesse (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}). He's always been a sprinter-miler and I believe he's more a sprinter than a miler.”

Asked about Royal Ascot, he said, “It's a possibility. I've got to try to work it out.”

Pedigree Notes

A winner of the G1 Golden Jubilee S. just like his sire, Starspangledbanner has sired 38 stakes winners (25 group) worldwide and spends his time shuttling between Coolmore Stud in Ireland and Coolmore Australia. With his Al Quoz Sprint victory, California Spangle has now taken four top-level races, which puts him on par with his sire's other four-time Group/Grade 1 winner–Rathbarry Stud stallion State Of Rest (Ire). Other Group 1 winners sired by Starspangledbanner include G1 Prix Morny hero The Wow Signal (Ire) who was bred on the same Starspangledbanner–High Chaparral cross, G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Millisle (Ire), GI American Oaks victress Rhea Moon (Ire), and G1 Prix Jean Romanet winner Aristia (Ire).

The late High Chaparral did his best work at stud from the Southern Hemisphere. Already the sire of 75 stakes winners (42 group) internationally as a broodmare sire, High Chaparral has 14 Grade/Group 1 winners worldwide. California Spangle is his best runner in that sphere.

The deceased Pearlitas Passion delivered nine foals, and five of them are winners anchored by Saturday's winner. The Lope De Vega (Ire) gelding Wychwood Warrior (Ire) was placed in both the Listed Platinum S. and Listed Patton S. in Ireland, as well as once at that level in the UAE. The 4-year-old filly Alchimia (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}) has yet to race, as does Pearlitas Passion's final foal–a full-brother to the winner who just turned two. The last-named horse did not meet his reserve when unsold for €400,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2023.

Under the placed second dam Paimpolaise (Ire) (Priolo) is the G2 Hungerford S. and G3 Solario S. hero Shakespearean (Ire) (Shamardal). However, Paimpolaise is a half-sister to three stakes horses, with the best of them the four-time stakes producer Pont-Aven (Ire) (Try My Best), a winner of the G3 Prix de Saint-Georges, who played bridesmaid in the 1990 G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
AL QUOZ SPRINT SPONSORED BY AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS-G1, AED1,500,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 6fT, 1:07.50, gd.
1–CALIFORNIA SPANGLE (IRE), 130, g, 6, by Starspangledbanner (Aus)
                1st Dam: Pearlitas Passion (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire)
                2nd Dam: Paimpolaise (Ire), by Priolo
                3rd Dam: Basilea (Fr), by Frere Basile (Fr)
(€150,000 Ylg '19 GOFOCT). O-The Executors of the Estate of
the Late Howard Liang Yum Shing; B-Michael Enright (IRE);
T-Tony Cruz; J-Brenton Avdulla. $870,000. Lifetime Record:
MG1SW-HK, 25-13-6-2, $9,500,774. *1/2 to Wychwood
Warrior (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), MSP-Ire. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Star Of Mystery (GB), 117, f, 3, Kodiac (GB)–Mistrusting (Ire),
by Shamardal. TDN Rising Star. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE.
O/B-Godolphin (Ire); T-Charlie Appleby. $300,000.
3–Diligent Harry (GB), 130, g, 6, Due Diligence–Harryana To
(GB), by Compton Place (GB). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE.
(£38,000 Ylg '19 GOFFPR). O-The Dilinquents; B-Whitsbury
Manor Stud (GB); T-Clive Cox. $150,000.
Margins: 3/4, 3/4, 3/4.
Also Ran: Bilhayl (Ire), Sight Success (Aus), Casa Creed, Emaraaty Ana (GB), King Gold (Fr), Danyah (Ire), Frost At Dawn, Jasper Krone, Ponntos (Ire). Click for the ERA chart & video.

CALIFORNIA SPANGLE flies the flag!!

The Hong Kong raider smashes the track record with a dominant performance in the Al Quoz sprint. #dwc2024

Will we see him at @Ascot in June?

@RacingTV

pic.twitter.com/dTWmKhUc6J

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) March 30, 2024

The post Starspangledbanner’s California Spangle Shatters Record In Al Quoz Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Both defending Godolphin Mile winner Isolate and G2 Al Maktoum Classic second Walk of Stars flashed good early speed and that pair soon slugged it out on the front end with G1 Saudi Cup third Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) sitting third and the eventual winner just off their heels with rivals to either side. Walk of Stars prevented Isolate from taking the inside path, and pressed that foe doggedly as they rounded the bend.

Edwin Maldonado gave Two Rivers Over a right-handed tap at the 600-metre mark and he soon edged closer with Saudi Crown to his immediate outside. Making ground with every stride after Saudi Crown folded, he closed resolutely on the leading pair down the lane, shifted to the outside for his attack and inched ahead to win well and give trainer Doug O'Neill his second winner of the race since sending out Grade I sire Spring At Last (Silver Deputy) to victory in 2007.

“He is not a horse that takes the kickback well so I was hoping he would be close in the run and he was,” said Maldonado. “When he came into the stretch I was confident I would get there because I had him in the clear, outside of kickback. He's very genuine. He gave me everything.”

Co-owner Cady said, “What an experience! We were happy to be a part of the occasion but we knew it would be hard to win with the likes of Saudi Crown and Isolate in the field. He was so tough and classy in the finish.

“What a job by Edwin and Doug and Leandro [Mora, assistant trainer]. We are so thrilled.”

Speaking from California, trainer O'Neill said, “I am so proud of this horse. The owners are the ones who picked him out to claim. They have been super-patient and supportive. He's a young 4-year-old on the rise.”

Winless from three starts at two, the bay was eventually claimed for $30,000 by O'Neill on behalf of his current connections at Ellis Park last June. After taking a starter allowance at Del Mar one start later in July, Two Rivers Over won a Del Mar optional claimer in September, prior to a two-length win going 1 1/16 miles in the Derby at Zia. He was most recently fourth in the GII San Pasqual S. to Newgrange (Violence).

Pedigree Notes:

Two Rivers Over's sire Tamarkuz  won the 2015 edition of this race in the Shadwell silks and, a year later, took the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Based first in Kentucky and then in Louisiana in 2022, Tamarkuz moved to Ballycroy Bloodstock in Ontario beginning in the 2023 season and he currently stands for C$4,000. His three stakes winners include Red Flag, successful in the GIII Bob Hope S., and stakes winner Lady Lottie.

The first foal for his winning dam, Two Rivers Over is also the only known produce for American Cowgirl. She, in turn, is a full-sister to MSW Special Relativity, who was second in the GIII Ontario Fashion S. and third in both the GI Ballerina S. and GII Bessarabian S.
B-Allied Racing Stable, LLC (KY).

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
GODOLPHIN MILE SPONSORED BY EMAAR-G2, AED1,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 8f, 1:37.49, fs.
1–TWO RIVERS OVER, 126, g, 4, by Tamarkuz
                1st Dam: American Cowgirl, by Cowboy Cal
                2nd Dam: Lil American, by Quiet American
                3rd Dam: A Woman's Quest, by Coronado's Quest
1ST GROUP WIN. O-Todd Cady & Ty Leatherman; B-Allied
Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Doug O'Neill; J-Edwin A Maldonado.
$580,000. Lifetime Record: 15-5-0-5, $905,851. Click for
   the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Walk Of Stars (GB), 126, g, 5, Dubawi (Ire)–Sound Reflection,
by Street Cry (Ire). (AED1,200,000 HRA '23 ERAAPR). O-Athbah
Racing; B-Godolphin (GB); T-Bhupat Seemar. $200,000.
3–Isolate, 126, h, 6, Mark Valeski–Tranquil Song, by Unbridled's
Song. ($70,000 Wlg '18 KEENOV). O-RRR Racing; B-Woodford
Thoroughbreds (FL); T-Doug Watson. $100,000.
Margins: 3/4, NO, 4HF.
Also Ran: Southern Artist, Desert Wisdom (GB), Caramel Chip, Scotland Yard, Swing Vote (GB), Eastern World (Ire), Qareeb, Remorse (Ire), Saudi Crown, Pacholli (Uru).
Click for the ERA chart & video.

Two Rivers Over, trained by @DougONeill1, dazzles in the @Godolphin Mile sponsored by @emaardubai

Take a bow, @MaldonadoJockey! #DWC24 pic.twitter.com/JpbDKOOJrB

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024

The post Tamarkuz’s ‘Rivers’ Runs Through Godolphin Mile, Defending Champ Isolate Third appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Meydan Racecourse is the centre of the racing universe Saturday, as it stages the 28th renewal of the G1 Dubai World Cup. The dozen horses that have been entered represent ownership interests from Japan, America, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and even Libya, putting the 'World' in World Cup.

Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) is back to defend the title he grabbed in 2023 and will attempt to join Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) as two-time World Cup winners. The 7-year-old has made a tremendous impression as one of the first horses to grace the Meydan dirt track each morning, his bright yellow tack announcing his arrival. The only difference between this year and last is that he is a known commodity this time around.

He was mugged on the wire by Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) in last month's G1 Saudi Cup, but Saturday's two-turn configuration in addition to the added distance could tip the scales in his favour. He will sit a trip worse than midfield and will come after them late beneath Yuga Kawada.

“The gate doesn't matter for him as he will race from behind anyway,” said trainer Noboru Takagi. “He has recovered well from the Saudi Cup and is in good form.”

Senor Buscador is the main American chance as he tries to become the first to complete the Saudi Cup/World Cup double. A hard-charging second in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational in January prior to his Saudi Cup surprise, the 6-year-old will also save his best for last and hope there is ample pace up ahead. Senor Buscador breaks from gate 10 with Junior Alvarado back in the saddle.

“Very happy,” said owner Joe Peacock Jnr after Wednesday's barrier draw. “We wanted outside and we got outside.”

Kazakh-owned Kabirkhan is the spitting image of his sire California Chrome, who won this in 2016, and has been the story in world horse racing in 2024. Eight for nine at home and subsequently in Russia, the $12,000 Keeneland September yearling dominated his rivals in two starts at the Carnival, including the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Jan. 26.

“He's got to step it up, but we think he can,” said trainer Doug Watson. “He has shown that he likes the track. He stays the trip, but he has the pace to keep him competitive in the race early and hopefully he can finish it off.”

Last year's G2 UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake (Jpn), a son of dual G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Mind Your Biscuits, was runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic off a five-month absence, but got a World Cup tightener when a sound fifth in the Saudi Cup. Look for him to be positively ridden by Christophe Lemaire and in position to get the first crack at them when push comes to shove.

Two sons of the mighty Into Mischief line up for the World Cup. GI Santa Anita H. winner Newgate can give both trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Frankie Dettori their fifth World Cups, while towering last-out G3 Burj Nahaar (1600m) winner Laurel River will see how far he can carry his speed from gate 12 in this first go at the 2000 metres. –Alan Carasso

Stars Align For Dubai Sheema Classic

The $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic was undoubtedly one of the strongest races run on the international stage in 2023. Not only did it produce an outstanding winner in Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn})–later named the Longines World's Best Racehorse–but those who chased the Japanese champion home were a decorated bunch in their own right, including Juddmonte's G1 Irish Derby winner Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Shadwell's Mostahdaf (GB) (Frankel), who later won the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. and G1 Juddmonte International back on home soil.

Among those finished down the field were the 2022 hero Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Godolphin's 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), both of whom are back for more on Saturday. However, if their connections were hoping for a soft touch this year, then they're likely to be disappointed as the Dubai Sheema Classic has once again brought together a collection of the finest thoroughbreds on the planet, featuring no fewer than 10 individual top-level winners.

Hideaki Fujiwara's Shahryar is one of four Japanese-trained runners in the field, with the others including last year's Triple Tiara heroine Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who was last seen filling the runner-up spot behind Equinox in the G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo in November. Like Shahryar, Liberty Island sports the familiar colours of Sunday Racing Co. Ltd., the ownership group which memorably won this race with Gentildonna (Jpn) (Deep Impact) in 2014.

Japanese champion jockey Yuga Kawada, who takes the mount on Liberty Island, said of Mitsumasa Nakauchida's filly, “This is her first time travelling internationally and all has gone well so far. It is an honour to represent Japan with a filly like her and I hope she can show fans all over the world just how good she is.”

Stars On Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) complete the Japanese contingent as they return after finishing second and fourth, respectively, behind G1 Dubai Turf contender Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the G1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama in December. Stars On Earth had previously won the first two legs of the Triple Tiara in 2022 and finished just a length behind Liberty Island when third in the latest running of the Japan Cup, while Justin Palace gained the sole Group 1 success of his career thus far when winning the Tenno Sho (Spring) at Kyoto last April.

“We believe that the flat track at Meydan will suit him,” said Justin Palace's trainer Haruki Sugiyama. “Hopefully, this might be the first step on a journey around the world this year.”

Rebel's Romance is as well travelled as any horse in the field and he had three runners from the Far East immediately behind him when winning last month's $2.5-million G3 H.H. The Amir Trophy in Qatar.

However, perhaps the biggest threat to the Japanese team in this contest is the horse who claimed Rebel's Romance's Breeders' Cup Turf crown at Santa Anita in November, namely Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), the blue-blooded colt from Ballydoyle who also won the G1 Derby, G1 Irish Derby and G1 Irish Champion S. in an exceptional three-year-old campaign. Incidentally, this will be the first time that two winners of the Breeders' Cup Turf have clashed since Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d'Oro) both ran in the G1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in 2017.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said of Auguste Rodin, “We feel he has matured well from three to four and it goes without saying that we are very excited to get him going again. The horse did all his own talking on the track last year, but we really do think that he is a very important horse for the thoroughbred breed. It is a huge thrill to have him back and we can't wait to see him race.”

Andre Fabre's Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}) won the latest edition of the Hong Kong Vase in December and is better judged on that form having been beaten at short odds in a conditions event on the all-weather at Chantilly last time, while British raiders Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) both merit consideration, too.

G2 Bahrain International Trophy and G2 Neom Turf Cup winner Spirit Dancer has race fitness on his side following a productive winter in the Middle East for Richard Fahey and owner/breeder Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United manager. Emily Upjohn, on the other hand, has an eight-month absence to contend with, but she's in good hands with John and Thady Gosden and her class isn't in question if she returns in the same sort of form she was in when winning last year's G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom.

The first two from the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten last August, Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) and Sisfahan (Fr) (Isfahan {Ger}), complete the field together with Auguste Rodin's stablemate Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}). Former Stephane Wattel trainee Simca Mille is now based in Qatar with Alban de Mieulle and was last seen finishing sixth in the H.H. The Amir Trophy where Point Lonsdale was last of the 11 runners. –Adam Houghton

Shahryar | Horsephotos

Lord North Goes for Historic Four-Peat, but Plenty of Obstacles in His Path

Remarkably, the three-time defending winner of the $5-million G1 Dubai Turf–the venerable Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire})–is not the sole story going in to the 1800-metre event this year. In a testament to the quality attracted by this race and Dubai's World Cup card overall, the John and Thady Gosden trainee is one of several who will fetch the attention of punters the world over in the Turf. The 8-year-old bay gelding has annually made the trip to Dubai, enjoyed the spoils of the desert, and returned to England with mixed results back home. Between his 2021 and 2022 Turf wins, Lord North had only one start–a runner-up finish in the G3 Winter Derby over Lingfield's all-weather surface, a pattern he has repeated to the letter coming in to Saturday's race: a 2023 Dubai Turf win and a second in the Feb. 24 Winter Derby, this time at Southwell. A win in any race four years running is nearly unheard of; if Lord North is able to do it in this storied Group 1 event, he will surely go down in racing's annuls as a legend. His usual Meydan partner Frankie Dettori will be aboard.

“After his win in the race last year we decided to give him a proper break, so he went to Godolphin and had a lovely time in a paddock,” said John Gosden. “He's training well and we're confident he'll put up a very bold show.”

However, Lord North does not have an easy task, starting with his own barn. Three-time Group 1 winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) has given her own gender all they could handle and has switched to facing the boys, where she held her own against the likes of superstar Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), in her last three starts to close out 2023. She gets a five-pound break in the weights here.

Japanese horses, so often in starring roles internationally over the last few years, will be tough here, led by last-out G1 Arima Kinen Grand Prix victor Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi thinks enough of his charge–who defeated the aforementioned Equinox in the G1 Japanese Derby two years back–that they tackled the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2022 only to run into soft ground, a handicap that won't be a risk in Dubai.

Charlie Appleby sends five-for-six Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a half-brother to Breeders' Cup winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) who has been part of his Meydan string over the winter and flourished with wins over this surface including the G1 Jebel Hatta Jan. 26, while American conditioner Michael Stidham has shipped over last-out GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational third Catnip (Kitten's Joy), a longshot here who has caught the eye during morning training. Hong Kong is also well represented with two-back G1 Stewards' Cup winner Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), a Sha Tin specialist who has honed his talent against the best in that locality. –Jill Williams

Sibelius Follows Tried And True Path To Shaheen

Jun Park and Delia Nash's Sibelius (Not This Time) has looked very much at home at Meydan this week, and the popular chestnut has charted the identical course into the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen as he did when sneaking through at the fence to score in 2023.

The chestnut went off form after returning home last summer, but it appears that it is at this time of the year that he comes good. Like last year, Sibelius won the GIII Mr. Prospector S. at Gulfstream Park in December and followed that up with a hard-fought and wide-trip victory in the Feb. 10 Pelican S. at Tampa Bay Downs. Ryan Moore has the call once again.

“If anything, I'm more confident coming in this year as we know he handles things here,” said trainer Jerry O'Dwyer. “We've tried to keep things like last year as much as possible.”

Remake (Jpn) is another of Saturday's entrants produced by a World Cup night-winning stallion, in this case the 2016 G2 UAE Derby scorer Lani. A homebred for the Maeda family's North Hills Farm, the chestnut was a slow-starting, but fast-finishing fifth in this last year and bounced back from a defeat at the hooves of Igniter (Jpn) (Espoir City {Jpn}) in the Listed JBC Sprint in November to take out last month's G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint with a fair bit of authority. Successful though they have been at this meeting and in Saudi, Japan has never gone home with the Golden Shaheen hardware.

American-based sprinters number five in this year's Golden Shaheen, and Run Classic (Runhappy) is in with longshot claims. A three-time winner from 11 starts for trainer Bret Calhoun, the $475,000 OBS March breezer was first-up for over nine months in the Feb. 24 Gulfstream Park Sprint and he produced a terrific late kick down the centre of the track to win in his first run for trainer Jose D'Angelo. Also representing the U.S. are Hopkins (Quality Road), a pacesetting fourth last year; and Nakatomi (Firing Line), third in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint before finishing a troubled third in the Pelican.

The local challenge includes G3 Al Shindagha Sprint romper Mouheeb (Flatter) and Leading Spirit (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), who beat Freedom Fighter (Violence) in the G3 Mahab al Shimaal on Super Saturday. —Alan Carasso

Hong Kong's Spangle To Add Al Quoz To Haul?

Versatile sprinters are not a rare commodity in Hong Kong, and California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is aiming to become the first winner of the $1.5-million 1200-metre G1 Al Quoz Sprint from that locality since Amber Sky (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) set a still-standing record of :56.21 when the Al Quoz Sprint was held over the minimum trip back in 2014.

Trained by Tony Cruz, the gelding proved triumphant in the G1 Hong Kong Mile back in 2022, and doubled his top-level tally with a one-length win in the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin earlier this month.

“I believe this horse is a sprinter-miler, I believe he can run the 1200 metres,” said Cruz of California Spangle, who will break from stall five. “We've been lucky at a mile many times, because that's where the big races are in Hong Kong, but I think with a strong pace he can do the 1200 metres here.”

American Hall of Famer Bill Mott will saddle four-time Grade I winner Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed), who is also cutting back in trip after a third in the 2024 GI Breeders' Cup Mile. A two-time winner of the GI Jaipur S. over this trip, the 7-year-old entire will be ridden by Luis Saez and leave from gate six in the 12-horse field.

No horse has ever won the Al Quoz twice, regardless of the distance, and the 2023 victor, Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), shocked the field at 33-1, with Sight Success (Aus) (Magnus {Aus}) fourth. Now seven, the Shadwell gelding has been specially prepared with this race in mind and enters off a third-place finish in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort over 1400 metres on Jan. 26.

“This has been the aim all season and we have brought him on slowly with this in mind,” trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri said. “He surprised everyone last season and I think he has a good chance of repeating last year's success.”

A pair of 3-year-old fillies take on males and receive a 13-pound pull in the weights in Abdulla Al Mansoori's Frost At Dawn (Frosted), successful with a record-breaking effort in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint over 1000 metres on Super Saturday, and her Turf Sprint runner-up, Godolphin's Star Of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}). The latter, who was second in the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge S. last July, won the G2 Blue Point Sprint, defeating Czechoslovakian Horse of the Year Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), for trainer Charlie Appleby in January.

William Knight, who trains Frost At Dawn, said, “To go into a Group 1 with a real chance is quite exciting. Her win on Super Saturday was no fluke and that she broke the track record gives me a bit of confidence. Mickael [Barzalona] is going to ride her, which is great, as they obviously get on well.” –Heather Anderson

California Spangle | HKJC

Japan's Forever Young the Horse to Beat in UAE Derby

The lone GI Kentucky Derby prep race off U.S. shores worth 100 points to the winner–essentially guaranteeing a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May–the G2 UAE Derby has an overwhelming favorite this year in Susumu Fujita's Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}). All eyes will be on the undefeated Yoshito Yahagi trainee, who blew through three Japanese dirt starts by open daylight last fall before bursting onto the world stage with a dramatic last-stride head win over Book 'em Danno (Bucchero) in the G3 Saudi Derby on Feb. 24 in his sophomore debut. Yahagi indicated after the Saudi Derby that the Kentucky Derby was very much on the 2022 JRHA yearling sale graduate's dance card. On a race day loaded with top Japanese threats, Forever Young–on paper, anyway–looks to have the easiest assignment of his countrymen.

Forever Young will have to get by America's Pandagate (Arrogate), who shipped to Dubai after a blowout win against New York-breds Feb. 25 in Aqueduct's Gander S. The grey has turned heads this week as the spitting image of his sire, whose own performance in Dubai in 2017 remains the stuff of legends. Christophe Clement aims to become only the second U.S-based trainer to use a Meydan win for an American horse's launching pad to Kentucky following Brendan Walsh's victory with Plus Que Parfait (Point of Entry) in 2019.

Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) from the Bhupat Seemar barn has to rank as the top local hope with a keen win in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas over this surface Jan. 26, while his stablemate Guns And Glory (Gun Runner) may not yet be as accomplished, but is in sharp form with a geared-down 12-length blowout Mar. 8 over this surface.

Earlier this week, Seemar called Guns And Glory “a bit of a playboy, [but] he is a very-high class horse.” He also said the two months since Mendelssohn Bay's last start has benefitted that runner.

“I think it was a very good decision to miss Super Saturday and come directly to the Derby. He has filled out and he looks different with a nice coat on him. He has got plenty of stamina in his pedigree. We don't know how good he is but we'll find out on Saturday.”

Aidan O'Brien looks to win the UAE Derby for the fourth time since 2012 and brings Irish Group 3 winner Henry Adams (Ire) (No Nay Never), who will be making his first start since October and will have his first go on the dirt.

“Henry Adams is a lovely, big, uncomplicated horse,” said O'Brien. “He's a No Nay Never horse so he could be interesting on the dirt. We will be guided by how he goes there in Dubai as to what he does afterwards.”

O'Brien will also saddle Navy Seal (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). –Jill Williams

Saudi Crown Clashes with Isolate in Godolphin Mile

A pair of 2024 G1 Saudi Cup runners will lock horns once again in the $1-million G2 Godolphin Mile to kickstart the Thoroughbred action at Meydan on Saturday. FMQ Stables' Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), just got caught in the final few jumps when third after setting the pace in that February affair over 1800 metres in Riyadh, and will be cutting back to the metric mile for the first time since running second in the GIII Dwyer S. in July of 2023. He leaves from stall nine and Florent Geroux is at the controls.

“He's doing very well, he arrived on Feb. 26, settled in, and he's had three works over the track,” said trainer Brad Cox of the grey. “He ran well [in Saudi], but I love the way he's bounced out of it and he continues to improve.”

Defending champion and G2 Al Maktoum Mile winner Isolate (Mark Valeski) is one of five 2023 winners returning to attempt and retain their DWC crowns, and UAE multiple champion trainer Doug Watson has the 6-year-old primed for this assignment. Sixth in the Saudi Cup to G1 Dubai World Cup entrant Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), he is paired with Luis Saez and they will leave from gate 11.

“He came off the track on his hind legs this morning, so we were all excited about that,” said Watson. “The draw isn't great but Saudi Crown is stall nine and they're the true speed in the race. The others might try to go but I think from out there it will be those two vying for the lead. He's in great form and he loves this track.”

Rabbah Racing's Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), who landed the G3 Jebel Ali Mile on Feb. 10, is booked in gate five. The gelding turned in a strong piece of work on Tuesday, and was last seen running fifth to Laurel River (Into Mischief) and Qareeb (Speightstown) in the G3 Burj Nahaar on Super Saturday.

“He's doing well. He looked great on the track and Ross [Atkinson, work rider] was very happy with him,” said co-trainer Ed Crisford. “That should put him spot on for Saturday.”

–Heather Anderson

Saudi Crown | Dubai Racing Club/Liesl King

Riyadh Rematch In Dubai Gold Cup

The $1-million G2 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors is the first of four races run on the turf track on World Cup night and it features a rematch between the three horses who dominated last month's G3 Red Sea Turf H. in Riyadh.

Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was the narrow victor on that occasion, staying on strongly under a never-say-die ride from Ryan Moore to beat Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) by a head, with Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire})–who was conceding weight to that pair–not far behind in third. The British-based trainers of the placed horses, Ian Williams and Marco Botti, respectively, will be optimistic of reversing the form with the winner, though the four-year-old Tower Of London remains relatively unexposed at the 3200-metre distance and could have more to offer for Aidan O'Brien.

Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), who took the scalp of O'Brien's star stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) when winning the G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot in October, is another leading contender from Britain for John and Thady Gosden. He carries the first colours of Godolphin, with the white cap being sported by Charlie Appleby's Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), last year's runner-up who won the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy for the second year in succession on his most recent outing.

The Andrew Balding-trained Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) finished down the field behind Trawlerman when making his final start of last season in the Long Distance Cup, but he'd been a model of consistency prior to that with wins in the G3 Sagaro S. and G2 Lonsdale Cup–plus a runner-up finish in the G1 Gold Cup–to show for his efforts. A below-par seventh in the Gold Cup was Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), but he bounced back later in the campaign when landing the G1 Irish St Leger at the Curragh, his second Classic success having also won the English equivalent in 2022.

Further international interest is provided by three runners from France and two from Japan. Multiple Group 2 winner Sober (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) leads a two-pronged attack for Andre Fabre, while Japanese raider Libyan Glass (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) represents the Yoshito Yahagi stable that won this race with Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) in 2022. –Adam Houghton

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| RACE 03 • ELUSIVE TERRY | Bin Dasmal Group

| Al Wasl Race Day
| 27th January 2024

———#JARC #JebelAliRacecourse #horseracing #the_ultimate_racing_experience #uae #alwasl pic.twitter.com/aS3BgOItTB

— Jebel Ali Racecourse (@jarcOfficial) January 27, 2024

The post Raven’s Pass Colt Two-For-Two At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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GUNS AND GLORY

€543,000 @goffs1866 Dubai Sale grad surely gets invited to the G2 UAE Derby after this demolition job. #DWC24

pic.twitter.com/4f5BHXNege

— Laura King لورا كنج 金樂雅 (@LauraKingDXB) March 8, 2024

The post Gun Runner Colt Lights Up Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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One of the early pacesetters in this straight-course test, Frost At Dawn avoided the majority of the field while glued to the far rail. Shrugging off all challengers, she scampered home a good-looking winner, with fellow filly Star Of Mystery emerging from the field to take second. Logo Hunter (Ire) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), who was toting 12 more pounds than his sophomore challengers, was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third. Frost At Dawn is now the 26th stakes winner and ninth group/graded winner for her Darley sire. Her victory has punched a ticket in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, where she will be required to go up in trip to 1200 metres at the end of the month.

“I had the luck to have a good draw today, so I just played my card,” said Barzalona after breaking the track record in a time of 55:41. “It's the first time I've ridden her. She's fast and I think she would travel even better over six furlongs [1200metres].”

She broke her maiden at second asking in England last November, but then has failed to win versus Manama Gold in December and January, or Cinderella's Dream in February. Tried in the Dubai Trophy, a conditions race over 1200 metres on grass on Feb. 9, the grey found only Great Truth (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) too good when a head back in second.

Pedigree Notes

One of two winners for her dam, who has a juvenile colt by Bernardini and a yearling filly by Nyquist to come, Frost At Dawn is related to Ocean Atlantique (American Pharoah), a stakes winner in both France and the US, who was third in the GI Turf Classic S., while noted Blushing Groom (GB)-line sire and American turf champion Leroidesanimaux (Brz) (Candy Stripes) is under the third dam. Hawana was bred to Maxfield last spring. Click for the ERA chart and video.

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
NAD AL SHEBA TURF SPRINT SPONSORED BY EMIRATES SKYWARDS-G3, AED1,200,000, Meydan, 3-2, 3yo/up, 5fT, :55.41 (NTR), gd.
1–FROST AT DAWN, 120, f, 3, by Frosted
                1st Dam: Hawana, by War Front
                2nd Dam: Tare Green, by Giant's Causeway
                3rd Dam: Dissemble (GB), by Ahonoora (GB)
   1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Abdulla Al
Mansoori; B-Rabbah Bloodstock LLC (KY); T-William Knight;
J-Mickael Barzalona. AED720,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-3-1,
AED958,355. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Star Of Mystery (GB), 121, f, 3, Kodiac (GB)–Mistrusting (Ire),
by Shamardal. TDN Rising Star. O/B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Charlie
Appleby. AED240,000.
3–Logo Hunter (Ire), 132, g, 6, Brazen Beau (Aus)–Jadanna (Ire),
by Mujadil. (5,000gns HRA '20 TATAUT). O-RRR Racing;
B-Mountarmstrong Stud (IRE); T-Bhupat Seemar. AED120,000.
Margins: 2HF, 1 3/4, 3/4.
Also Ran: Ponntos (Ire), Bilhayl (Ire), Tajalla (Ire), Al Shibli (GB), Ladies Church (GB), Thunder Of Niagara (Ire), Batwan (Fr), Topper Bill (Fr), Equality (GB), Khuzaam, Zorken (Fr), El Baareq.
Click for the ERA chart and video.

Upset!

Star Of Mystery was all the rage for the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint Sponsored By @emirates Skywards

But impressively cut loose on the rail to land Group Three honours for @WKnightRacing and Mickael Barzalona #SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/SRpFxb3YCC

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 2, 2024

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