Friday, February 14, 2003

LADBROKES EARLY PRICES FOR TOMORROW

MOON BALLAD ANNOUNCES HIMSELF DUBAI WORLD CUP MATERIAL WITH BRILLIANT RETURN

Moon Ballad's success was welcomed by the stable that half an hour earlier saw their hold on the Group III UAE 2000 Guineas loosened when the South African Victory Moon ran down Western Diplomat.

So dominant was Moon Ballad that he immediately leapt to the top of everyone's lists for the US$6,000,000 Group I Dubai World Cup, and this despite the likelihood that Sulamani will run in the third round of the Maktoum Challenge on March 8.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said that Moon Ballad would head straight into the Dubai World Cup with Sulamani to be the stable's representative in the third round before a decision is made whether he runs in the Dubai World Cup or the USZ$2,000,000 Dubai Sheema Classic.

Moon Ballad was never in danger of defeat and gave Godolphin their seventh win in the race and their third in the last three years after the successive victories of Bests Of The Bests.

The Saudi Arabian Go Underground finished second with Seeking The Prize third however the race was denied some interest with the late withdrawal of State Shinto.

Victory Moon denied the stable their fourth UAE 2000 Guineas with his defeat of Western Diplomat and Bourbonnais, giving South African trainer Mike de Kock his second Pattern success in as many weeks after the victory of Ipi Tombe in last week's Al Fahidi Fort.

De Kock said that Victory Moon would "probably² chase the Dubai Triple crown however he hadn't totally ruled out the prospect of taking on the older horses in the third round of the Maktoum Challenge, run on the same night as the US$200,000 Al Bastakiya, the second round of the Dubai triple Crown.

"We will wait and have a look at the Conditions of both races but the UAE Derby is and always has been his main goal," de Kock said.

Godolphin may have been disappointed with their defeat in the 2000 Guineas however Al Saqaar gave them hope for major three-year-old glory when he turned in a very impressive performance to win the Maiden. Al Saqaar ran faster time that Victory Moon, and Royal Tryst, later in the evening and gave champion jockey Frankie Dettori his first winner of 2003.

Ted Durcan's injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the season immediately proved costly when Saklawi Jadrane won the Group I second round of the Maktoum Challenge for the Purebred Arabians.

Ridden by champion Irish jockey John Murtagh, Saklawi Jadrane will prove a ready substitute for Abu Dhabi trainer Julian Smart after he resigned himself to possibly losing last season's champion Nez D'Or for the rest of the season.

Nez D'Or ran unplaced for the second time in as many starts for this campaign and Smart hinted after the race that it is likely the horse will be spelled.

Saklawi Jadrane however showed that he could provide the trainer with his second successive US$250,000 Dubai Kahayla Classic with his very easy win in this, defeating Bopp Moon and Jiyush.

The win also brought up a winning double for Murtagh after he had ridden the John Sadler-trained Royal Tryst to success in the Burj Nahaar Prep earlier in the programme.

Royal Tryst will run in either the AED350,000 Burj Nahaar or the AED350,000 group III Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday, March 8.

The Burj Nahaar is over the 1,600m dirt course while the Jebel Hatta is over the 1,777m turf course, the latter possibly the choice of Murtagh who said after the race that the horse may be better on the turf.

NAD AL SHEBA
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Weather: Fine. Dirt Track: Fast. Turf Track: Good

All races dirt unless stated.

The figures beside the race conditions (ie 00-80) are for horses rated in that division and these figures are in pounds. The UAE Dirham (Dhs) is fixed at US$3.68.

Race One: Al Rostamani Maiden. 1,600m
Thoroughbreds NH & SH 3YOs.

Prizemoney: Dhs55,000. 1st: Dhs27,500. 2nd: Dhs13,200. 3rd: Dhs7,700. 4th: Dhs4,950. 5th: Dhs1,650.

1. AL SAQAAR (USA) 55kg
2000 b c Quiet American - Furajet (The Minstrel)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Gainsborough Farm LLC
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori.

2. BABYLON'S HERO (USA) 55kg
2000 ch c Unbridled's Song ­ Mz. Mazuma (Robyn Dancer)
Owner: Hilda Benwail.

Breeder: Glencrest Farm.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

3. BALLET (ARG) 58kg
1999 b c Kitwood - Ballesta (Pepenador)
Owner: Ziad Galadari
Breeder: Vacacion
Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: M Hills.

Then came (in order): Western Commander (USA), Blazeaway (USA), Bezique (USA), Loliondo (USA), High Descent (USA), Royal Stage (IRE), Warpedsenseofhumour (USA), Water Springs (USA), Lucky Jules (USA), Dubai Storm (USA), Late Decision (USA), Panglossian (IRE). N/R: Nissr Al Jazira (IRE), Alajwad (USA), Peace Millennium [Late]. 15 ran. Margins: 8.25len, .5len, 4.5len. Time: 1:36.60 (Last 800m: 48.65).

Race Two: Al Rostamani Handicap. 1,200m
Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 65-95.

Prizemoney: Dhs95,000. 1st: Dhs47,500. 2nd: Dhs22,800. 3rd: Dhs13,300. 4th: Dhs8,550. 5th: Dhs2,850.

1. QUICK FLASH (ARG) 57kg
1999 dk b c Quitur Ju - Pert and Icy (Icecapade)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla
Breeder: Morven Stud Ltd
Trainer: C Rached. Jockey: S O'Gorman.

2. VACACIONADO (ARG) 59.5kg
1999 dk b c Roy - Valery Toss (Egg Toss)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla
Breeder: Vacacion
Trainer: C Rached. Jockey: J Carroll.

3. PICCATUNE (GB)
2000 b f Piccolo- Musica (Primo Dominie)
Owner: The Three Optimists
Breeder: J D & Mrs Knight
Trainer: M Johnston. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Marinas Charm ( GB), Dubai Guest (CAN), Steel Blue (GB), Rhythm Of Sport (SAF), Aesr Alsalaam. N/R: Machynleth (GB) [Late]. 8 ran. Margins: 1.25len, hd, 3.25len. Time: 1:11.29. (Last 800m: 46.66).

Race Three: Al Rostamani Handicap. 1,400m
Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 65-95.

Prizemoney: Dhs95,000. 1st: Dhs47,500. 2nd: Dhs22,800. 3rd: Dhs13,300. 4th: Dhs8,550. 5th: Dhs2,850.

1. RAHEIBB (IRE) 59kg
1998 ch g Lion Cavern - Abeyr (Unfuwain)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Trainer: A Smith. Jockey: G Hind.

2. AL MAALI (IRE) 58.5kg
1999 b c Polar Falcon - Amwaf (El Gran Senor)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company
Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

3. MR FEAR (ARG) 54.5kg
1998 b c Numerous - Lahfeh (Cox's Ridge)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Firmamento
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Jamrr (IRE), Ajeel (IRE), Qawaqeb (USA), Umm Al Qawain Star (USA), Nooshman (USA), Broche (USA), Delude (IRE), Mister Cosmi (GB), Official Flame (USA), Raneem (USA), Janadel (IRE), Across (ARG), Fueguino (ARG). N/R: Haasil (IRE), Cherry Pickings (USA). 16 ran. Margins: 2.25len, 2.5len, 1.25len. Time: 1:23.95 (Last 800m: 48.29).

Race Four: DRC Amateur Rider Challenge Rd II 1,800m.

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 50-75.

Prizemoney: Dhs80,000. 1st: Dhs40,000. 2nd: Dhs19,200. 3rd: Dhs11,200. 4th: Dhs7,200. 5th: Dhs2,400.

1. BOURKAN (GB) 72.5kg
1997 gr h Linamix - North Wind (Lomond)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: HRH Princess Michael of Kent
Trainer: A Smith. Jockey: Sh Ahmed bin Mohd Al Maktoum.

2. SHAARD (IRE) 73.5kg
1998 b h Anabaa - Braari (Gulch)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: D Smith.

3. MYTHICAL JINKS (USA) 69kg
1998 dk b/br g Miswaki - Avarice (Manila)
Owner: Saeed Suhail
Breeder: Barry Weisbord & S D Brille, LP
Trainer: A Selvaratnam. Jockey: M Ali.

Then came (in order): Mumari (USA), Ragsat Alsharq (USA), Dreadlock (ARG), Dajraan (USA), Saihook (GB), Explosivo (BRZ), Kashmor (USA), Mobaader (USA), Red Crescent (SAF). N/R: Desert Sands (AUS), Milazzo (IRE). 12 ran. Margins: 2.75len, .5len, 2len. Time: 1:53.81 (Last 800m: 53.48).

Race Five: Burj Nahaar Prep 1,600m.

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ Conditions.

Prizemoney: Dhs125,000. 1st: Dhs62,500. 2nd: Dhs30,000. 3rd: Dhs17,500. 4th: Dhs11,250. 5th: Dhs3,750.

1. ROYAL TRYST (USA) 57.5kg
1997 ch h Kingmambo - In On The Secret (Secretariat)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Earl H Schultz
Trainer: J Sadler. Jockey: J Murtagh.

2. DANCAL (SAF) 55.5kg
1998 b m Mujadil - Majesty's Nurse (Indian King)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Eddie Kavanagh
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: W Smith.

3. CALCUTTA (GB) 57.5kg
1996 b h Indian Ridge - Echoing (Formidable)
Owner: The Hon Mrs J M Crobett & Mrs C Wright
Breeder: Campbell Stud
Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: M Hills.

Then came (in order): Marhoob (USA), Clod Ber Junior (BRZ), Pacino (GB), Glenmorangie (GB), Bold Demand (GB), Classic Spirit (USA), Royal Alliance (NZ), Bestam (GB). 11 ran. Margins: Nk, 2.25len, 2.25len. Time: 1:37.39 (Last 800m: 49.15).

Race Six: Al Maktoum Challenge Rd II (Group I). 2,400m.

Purebred Arabians. 5YOs & Upwards.

Prizemoney: Dhs200,000. 1st: Dhs100,000. 2nd: Dhs40,000. 3rd: Dhs20,000. 4th: Dhs10,000. 5th: Dhs6,000. 6th: Dhs4,000.

1. SAKLAWI JADRANE (FR) 56kg
1998 ch h Kesberoy - Djeiran (Hamdani)
Owner: HH The President
Breeder: Hassan Mousli
Trainer: J Smart. Jockey: J Murtagh.

2. BOPP MOON (GB) 56kg
1997 ch h Dormane - Duma (Naftalin)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Mrs D Camp-Simpson
Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

3. JIYUSH (GB) 56kg
1997 b h Manganate - Ester du Paon (Cheri Bibi)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Trainer: G Duffield. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Nez D'Or (FR), El Wodkine (SE), Alto de Maligne (FR), Al Reef (FR), Madoua De Piboul (FR), Djiin (FR). N/R: Djelmidor (FR). 9 ran. Margins: 2.5len, 8.25len, 2.25len. Time: 2:43.71.

Comment: Prior to this season trainer Julian Smart was favoured to prepared his second successive winner of the Dubai Kahayla Classic and after the second round of the Maktoum Challenge those thoughts were not changed however it is with SAKLAWI JADRANE and not the universal choice NEZ D'OR. Last season NEZ D'OR proved himself clearly superior to the Purebred Arabians with his wins in the first two rounds of the Maktoum Challenge and the Dubai Kahayla Classic and was expected to continue on from that this season. However after a delayed start and a disappointing first-up effort at Abu Dhabi in HH The President Cup and now the second round of the Maktoum Challenge it is increasing likely that he may be spelled. SAKLWAI JADRANE, however, will prove a more than worthy substitute judging by this performance, taking his record to seven wins from 10 starts. In 2002 he went through his campaign undefeated and only came out of quarantine six weeks prior to this. To further emphasise this performance, this was his first run on dirt and over 2,400m and it certainly appears that he will improve. BOPP MOON has become the form indicator for the top level Purebred Arabian races this season having finished second in the National day Cup and Mazrat Al Ruwayah and SAKLAWI JADRANE conceded him fitness here and defeated him comfortably. Ridden by John Murtagh, SAKLAWI JADRANE was always travelling comfortably and appeared to have the race in his control from the 800m. At that stage NEZ D'OR was ridden along as was JIYUSH and BOPP MOON and SAKLAWI JADRANE had the race between them. SAKLAWI JADRANE got the better of BOPP MOON who continued to stay on however he proved too good and drew away to win comfortably. Eventually finished fourth, 13 lengths behind the winner.

There was over eight lengths between BOPP MOON and the third JIYUSH while NEZ D'OR This was a highly impressive performance by a horse rated 120 and that figure is sure to rise. It certainly appears that he will have the beating of these again in the third round and again in the Dubai Kahayla Classic however waiting for him will be Monsieur Al Maury, a very impressive winner of HH The President Cup.

Race Seven: UAE 2000 Guineas (Group III). 1,600m.

Thoroughbreds. NH & SH Three-Year-Olds.

Prizemoney: US$250,000. 1st: US$150,000. 2nd: US$50,000. 3rd: US$25,000. 4th: US$12,500. 5th: US$7,500. 6th: US$5,000
1. VICTORY MOON (SAF) 57kg
1999 b c Al Mufti - Dancing Flower (Dancing Champ)
Owner: Mad Syndicate
Breeder: Litchfield Stud Close Corp
Trainer: M de Kock. Jockey: W Smith.

2. WESTERN DIPLOMAT (USA) 53kg
2000 dk b/br c Gone West - Dabaweyaa (Shareef Dancer)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Ben P Walden Jr, Elliot Walden & Brad Ray
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: R Hills.

3. BOURBONNAIS (IRE) 53 carr 54kg
2000 b c Singspiel - Rose Bourbon (Woodman)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Addison Racing Ltd Inc
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori.

Then came (in order): Endemaj (USA), Seattle Fitz (ARG), Make My day (ARG), Dublin (IRE), Sharp Impact (USA), Dubai Lightning (USA). 9 ran. Margins: .5len, 1.25len, 1.75len. Time: 1:37.04. (Last 800m: 49.70).

Comment: Yet another strong performance by VICTORY MOON who turned apparent defeat into a thrilling victory as he overhauled WESTERN DIPLOMAT to deny Godolphin their fourth UAE 2000 Guineas win. VICTORY MOON was coming over a very easy win in the Al Nakhlee 49 days prior to this and did appear that he was gone at the 800m when he was ridden along by jockey Wayne Smith and with a number of others going past him. Despite the small field and through no fault of his rider Richard Hills WESTERN DIPLOMAT was forced to race wide and was always on the outside of VICTORY MOON. He was then asked to go forward and travelled up behind the leaders before being asked for an effort and he responded again to go three lengths in front however at the 200m it did appear he was beginning the tire, the efforts in the early and middle stages beginning to take their toll, and it was left to VICTORY MOON to run him down in the final few strides. BOURBONNAIS, the choice of stable jockey Frankie Dettori from the six Godolphin runners, settled back in the field and while he did make up ground in the straight he was never really threatening however he will be much improved by this and his effort to finish third was good. ENDEMAJ had shown ability in two runs last time in in America, winning his Maiden at Bay Meadows and after leading and setting a good pace stayed on well to finish fourth. SEATTLE FITZ lost no admirers for the Pearls of Dubai International Sales Stakes when fifth. Group III Champagne Stakes winner DUBLIN settled back in the field and never got into the race, eventually finishing seventh. VICTORY MOON's 1:37.04 was the slowest of the four runnings of the UAE 2000 Guineas, Bachir running 1:34.80 in 2000, Street Cry 1:35.14 in 2001 and essence of Dubai 1:36.60 in 2002. There is no doubt that VICTORY MOON is a quality racehorse and one that continues to improve and the gradual step up in class will suit even further. He has a staying pedigree and will no doubt continue to improve.

Race Eight: Al Maktoum Challenge Rd II (Group III). 1,800m.

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ SH 3YOs+
Prizemoney: Dhs350,000. 1st: Dhs210,000. 2nd: Dhs70,000. 3rd: Dhs35,000. 4th: Dhs17,500. 5th: Dhs10,500. 6th: Dhs7,000
1. MOON BALLAD (IRE) 58kg
1999 ch c Singspiel - Velvet Moon (Shaadi)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Newgate Stud Co
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori.

2. GO UNDERGROUND (USA) 58kg
1998 dk b/br h Skip Trial - May Day Ninety (Alydar)
Owner: Prince Sultan Mohammed Saud Al Kabeer
Breeder: Dr William O Reed
Trainer: J Barton. Jockey: A Gryder.

3. SEEKING THE PRIZE (GB) 58kg
1998 ch h Zafonic - Dancing Prize (Sadler's Wells)
Owner: Bouresly Racing Syndicate
Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Ltd
Trainer: R Alford. Jockey: G Hind.

Then came (in order): Curule (USA), Estimraar (USA), Muthaaber (GB). N/R: State Shinto (USA).[Late]. 6 ran. Margins: 6len, 4len, 1.5len. Time: 1:47.98 (Last 800m: 48.35).

Comment: A thoroughly dominant performance by a horse that announced his claims for the Dubai World Cup. MOON BALLAD must now be considered favourite to give Godolphin their fourth Dubai World Cup and with Sulamani waiting to return, then the stable will obviously have a strong hand. MOON BALLAD however could not have been more impressive here and showing that he had returned better than ever as a four-year-old after a strong three-year-old season which began in Dubai and ended at Newmarket last October with a second in the Group I Champion Stakes. He has shown he is quite adept on the dirt here having won in Conditions company before finishing third in the UAE Derby behind Essence Of Dubai. This effort was similar to that of Best of the Bests in the two previous seasons however MOON BALLAD is sure to run the 2,000m of the Dubai World Cup right out and is a horse that can be placed anywhere. He has shown a liking to dictate his races and this is the ideal type of horse for the Dubai World Cup. His sectionals here were very impressive and despite going 200m further recorded a much faster final 800m than what Victory Moon did in the UAE 2000 Guineas half an hour earlier. His time also compares favourably to those of previous seasons and this is a horse headed for the very top. The race was denied a great deal of interest with the withdrawal of STATE SHINTO however it is doubtful whether he would have beaten MOON BALLAD however he would have been close for second. GO UNDERGROUND improved, as expected on his first-up run in the opening round, to finish second while SEEKING THE PRIZE rose from a Limited Conditions event seven days ago to finish third. SEEKING THE PRIZE may have been flattered however passing tried horses in CURULE and ESTIMRAAR, the opening round winner failing to run the 1,800m right out and will now be switched back to 1,600m. ESTIMRAAR, by finishing fifth, is now highly favoured to win the Maktoum Challenge Series with MOON BALLAD unlikely to run in the third round. MOON BALLAD is a top class racehorse and any of the world's major 2,000m Group I races are within his grasp.

Race Nine: Al Rostamani Handicap 2,400m.

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 75-100.

Prizemoney: Dhs105,000. 1st: Dhs52,500. 2nd: Dhs25,200. 3rd: Dhs14,700. 4th: Dhs9,450. 5th: Dhs3,150
1. ALUNITE (USA) 54.5kg
1998 b h Red Ransom - Allusion (Mr Prospector)
Owner: Mohammed Rashid bin Ghadayer
Breeder: Barry R Ostrager
Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: A Gryder.

2. ELGHANI (GB) 60kg
1997 br h Lahib - Fawaakeh (Lyphard)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: A Gryder.

3. DUBAI DOWN UNDER (NZ) 52.5kg
1997 b g Prized - Skylarking (Twig Moss)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Mesdames J A Glazebrook & J M F Gould
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: K McEvoy.

Then came (in order): Grand Jete (SAF), Assaaf (IRE), Afghan (USA), Zaajel (IRE), Shaalayn (GB), West Order (USA), Arabian (GB), Alva Glen (USA). Fell: Mudaa-Eb (GB). 13 ran. Margins: Time: .5len, 1.75len, 2.25len (Last 800m: 50.21).

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