Appleby Aiming For Consecutive Singspiels At Meydan

The AED850,000 1800-metre G2 Singspiel S. presented by Longines is the headliner among five stakes races on Meydan's nine-race Friday card.

Godolphin runs three from the Charlie Appleby yard, and the reinvigorated Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is coming into the race off two consecutive seconds in the December's G2 Al Rashidia and January's G1 Jebel Hatta to stablemate Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}). He is joined by multiple stakes winner Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“Ottoman Fleet probably brings the most consistent form over the course and distance into what looks a competitive race,” said Appleby. “It was always the plan to come here following a strong run in the Jebel Hatta.”

“Naval Power had a few minor setbacks last year but has been training well. This looks a nice starting point to see where we are before taking him back to Europe.”

Jamie Osborne is enjoying a fruitful winter in the Middle East with his runners, and he sends out Sean (Ger) (Excelebration {Ire}) to improve one spot after a second to Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Dubai Millennium S. on Feb. 2.

“Sean has thrived during his stay in Dubai,” said Osborne. “I'm full of hope that we haven't yet seen the best of him. It's a very tough race and it will require a lifetime best, but I don't think it's impossible we will see one on Friday.”

 

Care To Dance?

Only seven fillies signed on to Friday's AED850,000 1800-metre G2 Balanchine Presented by Longines on grass, and Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby will saddle three of the septet. William Buick has elected to ride the four-for-five Sapphire Seas (GB) (Frankel {GB}).

A listed winner at Yarmouth in September, the daughter of Pure Diamond (GB) (Street Cry {Ire})'s only blip on an otherwise perfect resume was a fourth-place finish at first asking. Her paternal half-sister English Rose (Ire) has wins on both the grass and all-weather, but her unbeaten run was derailed with a runner-up performance to stablemate Silver Lady (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the G2 Cape Verdi over 1600 metres on this course on Jan. 19.

“Sapphire Seas looks the filly they all have to beat,” Appleby, who has won the race five times commented. “She was a good winner of a listed race on her latest start. It's her first appearance of the year but this will hopefully be a springboard to a nice European campaign. English Rose has definitely come forward since the Cape Verdi and I feel that she will appreciate racing over nine furlongs.”

Hugo Palmer trainee Stenton Glider (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) will aim to improve two spots after running third in the Cape Verdi. Runner-up in a pair of group races earlier in her career, the 4-year-old leaves from gate three with Jim Crowley at the controls.

“We were very pleased with the run of Stenton Glider in the Cape Verdi,” said the Classic-winning trainer. “It was her first run since August, after the first real break she had in her life. The Cape Verdi and the Balanchine were always the plan when we came to Dubai.”

 

Oaks Laurels & Derby Pointer In The Offing

The central pillar of the AED700,000 G3 UAE Oaks on Friday is the two-for-two Manama Gold (Star Guitar). After a trial at Meydan in November, she trotted out a 2 1/2-length winner of the Storm Coaster conditions race in December, prior to a 9 1/4-length tour-de-force in the Cocoa Beach S. over 1600 metres on Jan. 19. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' that day, the Victorious runner towers over her rivals in this 1900-metre affair for trainer Fawzi Nass.

“She's very exciting,” said jockey Adrie de Vries. “She's still improving and developing and came out of her last race really good. She's got a long stride and she's very relaxed, so I'm not concerned about [the distance] at all.”

The rest of the field has already been defeated by the golden chestnut at least once, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum's Mizzyaan (Justify) was fourth in that January contest, her only start to date. However, if she continues to progress in the manner of her famous Triple Crown-winning sire, she could be a danger.

Classic-bound males get their chance in the Listed Al Bastakiya Presented by Longines, a prep for the G2 UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night at the end of March. Bhupat Seemar trainee Falcon Of Arabia (Speightstown) is aiming to protect his perfect record in the 1900-metre test over the Meydan dirt, but a pair of South American colts could make his life difficult. Haras Bage Do Sul's Quartier (Uru) (Matterhorn) has won half of his eight starts and was third in the G2 UAE 2000 Guineas, two better that the re-opposing Oasis Boy (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}) in fifth in January.

 

A Chance At History?

No horse has ever won the AED700,000 2810-metre G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy Presented by Longines more than once, and on Friday, Godolphin's Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is aiming to be the first from a rail draw. He won the Listed Al Khail Trophy over this trip on Jan. 26.

“Siskany came out of the Al Khail Trophy well and his record around Meydan speaks for itself,” said Appleby of last year's G2 Dubai Gold Cup second. “We are hoping that he can produce another strong performance and book his ticket for the Dubai Gold Cup.”

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Adlerflug’s India Is The Preis von Europa Heroine

Sunday's G1 Preis von Europa was all about the fillies and mares as Gestut Ittlingen's India (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}–Ivory Coast {Fr}, by Peintre Celebre) overcame the Irish challenger Trevaunance (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) to keep the Cologne prize at home. Registering her fourth group win when getting the better of the talented pair Mqse De Sevigne (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix Allez France in April, the Waldemar Hickst-trained homebred was settled with two behind early by Rene Piechulek.

Sent forward at the top of the straight, the 5-year-old had total control 1 1/2 out and only had to be kept honest from there to score by 1 1/4 lengths from the Moyglare representative who outstayed Godolphin's Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) to get the silver medal by a neck. “Wow, what a girl she is! She is absolutely awesome,” Hickst said. “Ridden that way, she can easily do this twelve furlongs. We are over the moon and it was a brilliant ride from Rene.”

 

India, whose previous best had come when winning the G3 Furstenberg-Rennen over this trip at Hoppegarten by six lengths last July, had done all her other winning in notable races at shorter including another 6 1/2-length success in Hanover's 11-furlong G3 Waldpfad-Trophy in October. Third in the 10 1/2-furlong G2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud in May, she had been demoted from first to second behind Kolossal (Ger) (Outstrip {GB}) when defending her title in the Furstenberg-Rennen back in Berlin when last seen in July and was a fresh mare entering this test which is traditionally one of Europe's weakest coming so close to the Arc.

Pedigree Notes
Becoming the eighth group 1 winner for her much-missed sire, India is the last live foal out of the unraced Ivory Coast (Fr) (Peintre Celebre), who is also responsible for the triple group-winning stayer Ivory Land (Fr) (Lando {Ger}). The second dam is the Listed Ben Marshall S. runner-up Land Of Ivory (The Minstrel), who produced the G1 National S. hero Heart Of Darkness (Glint of Gold {GB}), counts among her descendants the G2 German 1000 Guineas winner Akua'da (Ger) (Shamardal). This is also the family of the triple group 1-winning Gold And Ivory (Key To The Mint), the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile hero Anees (Unbridled), the GI Turf Classic Invitational hero Grand Couturier (GB) (Grand Lodge) and the prolific sire Elusive Quality.

Sunday, Cologne, Germany
61ST PREIS VON EUROPA-G1, €155,000, Cologne, 9-24, 3yo/up, 12fT, 2:29.09, sf.
1–INDIA (GER), 129, m, 5, by Adlerflug (Ger)
      1st Dam: Ivory Coast (Fr), by Peintre Celebre
      2nd Dam: Land Of Ivory, by The Minstrel
      3rd Dam: Ivory Wand, by Sir Ivor
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Gestut Ittlingen; B-Gestut Hof Ittlingen (GER); T-Waldemar Hickst; J-Rene Piechulek. €100,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Fr, 17-8-5-2, €324,700. *1/2 to Ivory Land (Fr) (Lando {Ger}), MGSW-Fr, $499,271. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Trevaunance (Ire), 129, f, 4, Muhaarar (GB)–Liber Nauticus (Ire), by Azamour (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O/B-Moyglare Stud Farm (IRE); T-Jessica Harrington. €30,000.
3–Siskany (GB), 132, g, 5, Dubawi (Ire)–Halay (GB), by Dansili (GB). O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. €15,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, NK, 3/4. Odds: 5.60, 8.60, 1.90.
Also Ran: Assistent (Ger), Live Your Dream (Ire), Best Of Lips (Ire), Straight (Ger), Sirjan (Ger). Scratched: Sisfahan (Fr).

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Making Waves: Dubawi’s Siskany Supreme At Belmont

   In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Siskany in the GII Belmont Gold Cup S. at Belmont Park on Friday.

Siskany Finds His Groove In Gold Cup

Godolphin homebred Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) earned his fourth stakes win in his third different country with a victory in the GII Belmont Gold Cup S. for trainer Charlie Appleby on Friday (video).

A winner of the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy earlier in the year, he was also third in the G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern last autumn. The first and best foal so far out of his unraced dam, Siskany has a Ribchester (Ire) yearling half-sister and a half-brother by Sea The Moon (Ger) born this year. He is from the same family as multiple group winner Dartmouth (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who also ran second in the GI Canadian International S.

One of 36 winners from 72 runners (50%) for Darley's Dubawi in the U.S., the Belmont Gold Cup winner is the 19th stakes winner from that cohort (26%) and 14th graded winner (19%). Dubawi's nine Grade I winners (12%) include In Italian (GB), who won the Just A Game S. at Belmont (video) the same day.

 

 

Kingman Colt Shines At Monmouth

AMO Racing's Kingmax (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), who ran third in the 2022 Hampton Court S., found the Jersey Shore to his liking when winning a Monmouth Park allowance in his American bow (video).

Bred by Sunderland Holding, Inc., the dark bay colt was an £120,000 Goffs Orby yearling purchase, and graduated at Kempton at third asking first out at three for trainer David Loughnane.

Out of the G2 Prix de Pomone winner Baino Ridge (Fr) (Jeremy), Kingmax's latest siblings are a 2-year-old colt named Mission To Mars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and a Saxon Warrior (Jpn) filly born this spring.

On the same day his King Colorado (Aus) lifted the G1 J.J. Atkins at Eagle Farm in Australia, Juddmonte's Kingman celebrated more success in America. He now has 28 winners from 53 runners (53%) in the Land of the Free. His stakes winners stand at eight (15%) led by triple Grade I winner Domestic Spending (GB).

 

Zarak Filly Strikes At Belmont

West Point Thoroughbreds and Dream With Me Stable's Parnac (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) collected her fourth win in a Belmont contest on Sunday for trainer Christophe Clement (video).

Bred by Jean-Pierre Dubois, the 4-year-old filly won her first two starts including a German listed race for her breeder and trainer Andreas Wohler before being purchased by these connections. Her dam, third in the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, has a juvenile colt by Cloth Of Stars (Ire). Her fourth dam, Louvre Romaine (Alydar), was third in the G1 Prix de Diane.

Zarak, who sired his 12th international stakes winner with Straight (Ger) in the G2 Union-Rennen on Sunday, has had two runners in the U.S. Parnac is his first winner there.

 

 

Honourable Mentions

Selenaia (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), who has already featured in this column, made the jump to graded company with aplomb when running away with the GIII Honeymoon S. at Santa Anita on Saturday for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Madaket Stables, LLC and trainer Jonathan Thomas (video). She is the 29th stakes winner and 14th graded/group winner worldwide for her Lanwades Stud sire.

 

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Buick Off Saudi Cup Mounts After Covid Positive

Godolphin jockey William Buick, who was slated to ride the Jan. 21 G2 Al Fahidi Fort hero Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 1351 Turf Sprint on the Saturday of the Saudi Cup meeting, has tested positive for Covid and will be off his mounts in Riyadh on Saturday. Also due to ride Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Longines Red Sea Turf H., Noble Truth (Fr) (Kingman {GB}) in the G3 Saudi Derby and Copano Kicking (Spring At Last) in the G3 Riyadh Cup Sprint, Buick missed several rides at Meydan on Friday, as well. In Friday's G3 Dubai Millennium S., Buick had been booked for Star Safari (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), but Andrea Atzeni finished second aboard the Godolphin runner instead.

For his Saudi Cup mounts, James Doyle will deputise for Buick on Naval Crown and Siskany, while Frankie Dettori has been called up to ride Noble Truth. In place of Doyle on Happy Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the 1351 Cup Sprint is David Egan. The regular rider of 2021 Saudi Cup victor Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Egan also picks up the ride on Copano Kicking for Buick in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint.

Ginobili (Munnings) will be forced to miss the Sprint after emerging from his second gallop at King Abdulaziz unsatisfactorily. Trainer Richard Baltas told Daily Racing Form that the 5-year-old was lame in his left for, but that the first set of X-rays taken were negative. Results of a second set of images were pending and Baltas surmised that Ginobili would undergo a nuclear scan upon his return to America.

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