Dubai: Jalil burst on to the Dubai World Cup scene with a commanding win in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3.
The Godolphin four-year-old’s win was the climax of a Super Thursday treble for Saeed bin Suroor, who has notched up 24 winners for the 10 Racing Carnival meetings.
Jalil also had his own treble, winning his third race in a row on the Nad Al Sheba dirt, showing himself to be a different horse to the one who failed to really shine on the turf in Britain last year.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “He’s learning to be a really good horse, and clearly loves the sand, and the further he goes, the better he is.
“We gave him a chance as he needed time last year, and it’s paid huge dividends now. He’ll go straight to the Dubai World Cup, and we’ll see Curlin there. He needs to improve again, but he hasn’t stopped yet.”
Asiatic Boy’s Dubai World Cup hopes took a big dent as he could only manage third in the US$200,000 Group 3 Burj Nahaar, a race dominated by the Saeed bin Suroor-trained pair of Elusive Warning and Blackat Blackitten.
Last year’s UAE Triple Crown winner ended three and a quarter lengths off the winner Elusive Warning.
Asiatic Boy's trainer Mike De Kock said: “In hindsight, we’ve left him short, which has caught us out a little. But we haven’t lost heart and we’re expecting massive improvement in the Dubai World Cup.”
His jockey Johnny Murtagh added: “I am disappointed, but better to do that tonight, than on March 29.”
British mare Gower Song sprung a surprise in the US$200,000 Group 3 Dubai City of Gold, bursting through late under Richard Hills to deny the fast finishing Mourilyan, who came from last, and Oracle West, who stayed on for third.
Mike De Kock saddled the 1-2 in the Al Bastakiya – the second leg of the UAE Triple Crown - as Royal Vintage saw off the late challenge of Honour Devil.
Godolphin look to have a live contender for the Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News, in the shape of Diabolical, who trounced the opposition in the Mahab Al Shimaal.
The American import was drawn in stall one, but settled nicely under McEvoy, and coasted home four and a half lengths in front of Star Crowned.
Trainer Bin Suroor said: “It’s great we have something to run in the sprint on Dubai World Cup night – he needed the race last time, and he works like a really good horse in the morning.”
Lord Admiral, a late withdrawal from the DIRC Sale on Tuesday, landed the Group 2 $250,000 Jebel Hatta to add to the Al Rashidiya, he won earlier in the season.
Carrying the colours of the Vincent O’Brien, the seven-year-old swooped late under Mick Kinane to deny Jay Peg by a length.
Brazilian raider Ukranian showed much improved form to win the conditions race – the Shadwell Estate – under Richard Mullen, in the other thoroughbred race.
Madjani looks back on course for a record breaking fourth win in the Dubai Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup night after landing the opening Maktoum Challenge Round 3 for Purebred Arabians.
