Tag: Meydan

City Of Light’s ‘Mimi’ Crowned Queen In The UAE Oaks

  A winner of the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas when last seen, MIMI KAKUSHI (City Of Light-Rite Moment, by Vicar) turned in a game effort to wear down California shipper Ami Please (Goldencents) and win the G3 UAE Oaks by 1 1/4 lengths at Meydan on Friday. She is the eighth filly to complete the Guineas/Oaks double, and first since subsequent American graded winner Shahama (Munnings) in 2022, who was also trained by Salem bin Ghadayer.

Racing for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the bay stalked from second as Ami Please crossed over to lead heading into the clubhouse turn. Rival Asawer (Nyquist), fourth in the UAE 1000 Guineas, exchanged some bumps with Mimi Kakushi on the backstretch as they chased the pacesetter. By the far turn, it was a line of three with Mimi Kakushi sandwiched between foes, but pilot Mickael Barzalona did not panic in the tight quarters, which began to ease as Asawer faded leaving the bend.

Mimi Kakushi locked horns with Ami Please at the quarter-pole, and the pair battled hammer and tongs until midstretch. At the 150-metre mark, Mimi Kakushi inched ahead of Ami Please, and eventually crossed the wire about a length to the good of that filly. Asawer hung on for third, a distant four lengths back.

Fourth in her first two local tries in November and December, the Woodford Thoroughbreds-bred graduated by two lengths over Asawer in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial on Dec. 23. She increased her winning margin to 4 1/2 lengths in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas on Jan. 20.

Pedigree Notes

The first graded/group winner for her Breeders' Cup-winning sire who stands at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky, Mimi Kakushi is one of four stakes winners overall. City Of Light's eldest foals just turned three. Wild Again stallion Vicar, a winner of the GI Fountain Of Youth S. and GI Florida Derby in 1999, has sired 15 stakes winners as a broodmare sire, with Mimi Kakushi joining Vicar's In Trouble (Into Mischief) and Sandbar (War Pass) as graded/group winners.

A $180,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select yearling turned $250,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile (breeze video), Mimi Kakushi is a half-sister to three-time stakes winner Moment Is Right (Medaglia d'Oro), and the stakes-winning Laudation (Congrats). Her dam, who won both the Bed o' Roses H. and Distaff H. at Aqueduct at Grade II level, has a yearling filly by Cajun Breeze. Her 2023 offspring, by Khozan, was born dead. Sales history: $180,000 Ylg '21 FTKJUL; $250,000 2yo '22 FTIMAY. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0.

O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. B-Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY). T-Salem bin Ghadayer.

 

 

 

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Nations Pride Friday’s DWCC Headliner

The Dubai World Cup Carnival adds its own footnote to the study of flags, known as vexillology for the more serious, since its intent is to draw horses from all over the world. As the meet continues to march towards its big night in late March, another Friday of racing arrives with a trio of Group 3 events.

Waving Godolphin Blue

The G3 Dubai Millennium S. sports this week's headliner, as Grade I winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) returns for a new campaign after what could be considered a successful 2022. The Godolphin homebred won last year at Meydan in the Jumeirah Derby, before competing at Newmarket, Epsom, in the 'Turf Triple' at each of the NYRA courses Stateside and finally in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, where he was fifth behind stablemate Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Bearing the blue brought him an Eclipse Award nomination in the Male Turf Division off of his victories in the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational S. in August and the GIII Jockey Club Derby Invitational S. in September, as well as his runner-up effort in the first leg of the Turf Triple, the GI Belmont Derby Invtiational S. in July. The 4-year-old colt should enjoy a return to 10 furlongs here as the deserving favorite in European markets.

“There will be some improvement to come for whatever he [Nations Pride] does on his seasonal return, as we hope that he has another international campaign ahead of him this year, said trainer Charlie Appleby. “Depending on how he goes here, we will consider potentially looking at the [G1] Jebel Hatta [on Super Saturday] or the [G1] Dubai Turf [on Dubai World Cup night].”

Appleby also runs multiple stakes winner and multiple group-placed Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), third in the G2 Singspiel S. last time out. “Returning to this distance looks as though it might benefit Ottoman Fleet based on his two runs so far this year,” he continued. “He goes into the race a fit horse with solid form around him, so he should be a major player.”

Dual French listed winner Zagrey (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) is aiming to improve after a fourth in the G3 Al Rashidiya on Jan. 13.

Longshot in the Nad Al Sheba

As for the other group races on Friday, a true distance test and  prep race for the G2 Dubai Gold Cup will be proctored at 14 panels on the grass in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy S. Godolphin, winners on nine occasions, has the advantage with four runners in Global Heat (Ire) Toronado (Ire), Brilliant Light (GB) (Sea The Stars), Siskany (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire} and Kemari (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“Siskany looks great and will be a player if he brings his best form to the table,” said Charlie Appleby. “He has won over the course and trip, so he looks the one they have to beat.

“Kemari will also be competitive if he can rekindle some of his old form. He ran some solid races last year but can be a little inconsistent these days.”

Added fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, “Global Heat won over this trip in the Al Khail Trophy and came out of his recent handicap run in good order. He stays well and I'm hoping for another good effort. Brilliant Light worked well last week and has some good form over this distance. He is ready to go again and will appreciate the step up in trip.”

Not to be overlooked is the Amy Murphy trainee Magical Morning (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), who is a quality longshot and could play the role of spoiler, if the gelding can handle the stretch out in distance.

American Jaunt Continues in UAE Oaks

Rounding out Friday's Group 3 events is a Classic on the dirt oval that brings together seven fillies. Of these, Mimi Kakushi (City Of Light) looks best, not because her barn won this race last year, but because the bay filly clearly likes the Meydan surface–including a pair of wins in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial over 1400 metres on Dec. 23 and in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas upped to a mile on Jan. 20. Seven fillies have completed the UAE Guineas/Oaks double, with Shahama (Munnings), subsequently second in the GII Mother Goose S. and a winner of the GIII Monmouth Oaks in America, the latest in 2022.

Standing in her way will be the American-based Ami Please (Goldencents) for trainer Doug O'Neill. Running solely on turf since her California debut at Del Mar on Aug. 1, she was third last time out in the Blue Norther S. at Santa Anita, finishing just behind next out winner, Manhattan Jungle (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}). Her barn collected a savory win last Friday with Tall Boy (Lookin At Lucky) in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas.

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Lookin At Lucky’s Tall Boy Breaks Maiden In UAE 2000 Guineas

Calumet Farm's Tall Boy (Lookin At Lucky) broke his maiden in stirring fashion, running out a length winner of the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas Presented by Nakheel over Shirl's Bee (Bee Jersey) for trainer Doug O'Neill and jockey William Buick at Meydan on Friday evening.

Sitting just off the Charles Fipke runner after leaving the chute, the chestnut edged closer as noses pointed for home. Refusing to give his rival a breather, the pair locked horns in earnest by the 600-metre mark. Throughout the stretch drive, it appeared that Tall Boy was moving the better of the duo, but Shirl's Bee was dogged against the fence and pushed him all the way through the final furlong, as the winner inched away late. Mr Raj (Bolt d'Oro) closed to take third.

“We were going a good pace and I didn't expect to be where I was, as he struggled for pace early in America,” said Buick, winning this race for a third time. “He showed guts, good attitude and I expect connections will have one eye on the [G3] UAE Derby after that. Once we turned into the straight I felt him grow an inch and he gave me plenty in response.”

Although winless prior to his trip to Meydan, the colt has been slugged it out with some of the biggest names in the California 3-year-old division. He ran fifth when unveiled in the wake of 'TDN Rising Star' and subsequent dual Grade I-winning Juvenile Cave Rock (Arrogate) and Practical Move (Practical Joke) at Del Mar on Aug. 13. Dropped in for an $80,000 tag, he improved with a closing second in a maiden claimer still at the seaside oval on Sept. 5, and rallied for third behind fellow 'Rising Star' Spun Intended (Hard Spun) back in maiden special weight company there on Nov. 26. In his final start of 2022, Tall Boy ran fourth in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity to Practical Move in late December, and Friday's victory was O'Neill's second in the race after Fore Left (Twirling Candy) in 2020.

Pedigree Notes

Bred by Rockingham Ranch, the February-born colt was picked up by Calumet from Paramount Sales for just $40,000 as a Keeneland November weanling. He is the 72nd stakes winner for his GI Preakness S.-winning Coolmore Ashford sire. His unraced dam has fillies of 2021 and 2022 by Liam's Map, and Gun Runner, respectively. O'Neill signed for the former on behalf of Del Mar Group for $100,000 out of last autumn's Keeneland September Yearling Sale, also from Paramount.

The second dam, the winning Golden Peach, by GI Belmont victor Touch Gold, is a half-sister to Grade III winners Squadron A (Unbridled's Song) and Belgravia (Mr. Greeley), as well as the three-time graded-placed Persuading (Broken Vow). Qualique (Hawaii {SAf}), out of fourth dam Dorothy Gaylord (Sensitivo {Arg}), claimed the GI Demoiselle S. in 1983.

 

Friday, Meydan, Dubai
UAE 2000 GUINEAS PRESENTED BY NAKHEEL-G3, $150,000, Meydan, 2-10, 3yo, 8f, 1:37.32, fs.
1–TALL BOY, 121, c, 3, by Lookin At Lucky
1st Dam: Madame Mayra, by Scat Daddy
2nd Dam: Golden Peach, by Touch Gold
3rd Dam: Peaks Mill, by Stalwart
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. ($40,000 Wlg '20
KEENOV). O-Calumet Farm; B-Rockingham Ranch (KY); T-Doug
O'Neill; J-William Buick. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 5-1-1-1,
$122,186. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Shirl's Bee, 121, c, 3, Bee Jersey–Shirl's Soul, by Perfect Soul
(Ire). 1ST BLACK-TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Charles
Fipke (KY); T-Doug Watson. $30,000.
3–Mr Raj, 121, c, 3, Bolt d'Oro–Sonja's Angel, by Smoke
Glacken. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. ($70,000
RNA Ylg '21 KEESEP; €86,773 2yo '22 GOFMAR). O-Ahmad
Bintooq Al Marri; B-John B. Penn (FL); T-Ahmad bin Harmash.
$15,000.
Margins: 1, 1 3/4, 9HF.
Also Ran: Legend Of Cannes, Eye On The Prize (Arg), Magic Petition, Talentum, Tiger Nation, Morning. Click for the Video.

 

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Algiers Just The Fifth Horse To Take First Two Rounds Of Al Maktoum Challenge

Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) became just the fifth horse in history to win the first two rounds of the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge in the same year.

Stepping up to 1900 metres for this first time in this $350,000 main track event sponsored by Emaar, the chestnut was forced to cover extra ground when leaving from stall eight. Unable to save any real estate on the clubhouse turn, he avoided the kickback generated by pacesetters Secret Victory (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) along the fence and Bendoog (Gun Runner), to that foe's outside. Desert Wisdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was also flashing some early speed in third. Rounding the far turn still three to four wide, Algiers set sail for Bendoog, as Desert Wisdom weakened. He passed all comers without drawing a deep breath, and drew away to win by six lengths as much the best for the training duo of Simon and Ed Crisford and owner Hamdan Sultan Ali Alsabousi.

The margins were 2 1/2 lengths from Bendoog to Remorse (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who came on for third, 1 3/4 lengths to the good of Secret Victory (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in fourth.

“It was fantastic, he switched leads at the right time in the race and did what he had to do,” said winning co-trainer Simon Crisford. “Obviously we'll talk to his owner, Hamdan Sultan and make a plan now, but on the back of that effort we'll have to strongly push for the [G1] Dubai World Cup [on Mar. 25].”

“It's the furthest he's run on dirt” said pilot James Doyle. “I didn't want to ride him aggressively, but he jumped so well I could have led. I chose to take him back and then one went up my inside and pushed me wide, so then he over-raced throughout. He did well to achieve what he has without ever being in a rhythm.

“He's the best we have in the UAE and this opens up options now, whether it be here or Saudi.”

A dual listed winner in France back in 2020 and 2021 and placed twice at group level there in the latter year, Algiers took the G3 Jebel Ali Mile a year ago, and was also listed placed at Lingfield in November. He opened his 2023 account with a 6 1/2-length win in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1.

Pedigree Notes

The best foal out of three-time group winner Antara (Ger) (Platini {Ger}), who was also second in the G1 Premio Lydia Tesio, G1 Prix Jean Romanet and G1 Nassau S., Algiers is from the same family as German Group 3 winner Andolini (Ger) (Kallisto {Ger}) and G3 Deutsches St. Leger and G3 Silbernes Pferd hero Aff Un Zo (Ger) (Kallisto {Ger}). Antara, who foaled the winning Wild Tiger (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in 2019, produced a foal in 2021, but it later died.

 

Friday, Meydan, Dubai
AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R2 PRESENTED BY EMAAR-G2, $350,000, Meydan, 2-3, 3yo/up, 9 1/2f, 1:56.08, fs.
1–ALGIERS (IRE), 126, g, 6, by Shamardal
1st Dam: Antara (Ger) (Hwt. 3yo-Ger at 9 1/2-11f
                                 MGSW-Eng, GSW & G1SP-Eng, G1SP-Ity & Fr,
                                $499,204, by Platini (Ger)
2nd Dam: Auenpracht (Ger), by General Assembly
3rd Dam: Auenqueen (Ger), by Big Shuffle
O-Hamdan Sultan Ali Alsabousi; B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Simon &
Ed Crisford; J-James Doyle. $210,000. Lifetime Record:  MSW
& MGSP-Fr, SP-Eng, 20-7-5-2, $627,367. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Bendoog, 125, c, 4, Gun Runner–Nellie Cashman, by
Mineshaft. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Mohammed Khaleel
Ahmed; B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Bhupat Seemar. $70,000.
3–Remorse (Ire), 126, g, 6, Dubawi (Ire)–Jealous Again, by
Trippi. (70,000gns HRA '20 TATAUT). O-Al Rashid Stables LLC;
B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Bhupat Seemar. $35,000.
Margins: 6, 2HF, 1 3/4.
Also Ran: Secret Victory (GB), Salute The Soldier (Ger), Atletico El Culano (Uru), Military Law (GB), Desert Wisdom (GB), First Constitution (Chi). Click for the Video.

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