Mike de Kock had to settle for a second cheque from his three runners at Thursday’s ninth and penultimate meeting of the Dubai World Cup Carnival.
Mike de Kock – Baroot gallant in defeat
The Al Naboodah Trade School Trophy over 2000m on turf, resulted in a sharp victory by Appleby-trained Kidmenever, under a fine ride by James Doyle.
After stalking well, the Godolphin charge finished 2½ lengths clear of a valiant De Kock charge Baroot under Christophe Soumillon, with Appleby-Godolphin stablemate Banksea another two lengths back in third. Smiling Blue Eyes and Sanshaawes finished well downfield.
“It was an interesting race to watch,” Appleby said. “He got a nice clear run and ran better than we expected. He travelled well and we worried about coming back a bit soon for him. He’ll go into quarantine with a bunch of horses tomorrow. He probably deserves a bit of a summer break after going to Australia and back.”
The meeting was officially highlighted by the 1900m Gr3 UAE Oaks sponsored by Al Naboodah Construction Group, restricted to 3-year-old fillies on the dirt with a purse of US$250,000.
Doug Watson – thrilled with Rayya performance
Rayya, winning her second from four local starts, made all under jockey Pat Dobbs for Doug Watson, setting a leisurely pace and galloping home in 1:59.66 within herself. The half-sister to long-winded G3 winner Curlin Road displayed her stamina in spades, in the process getting revenge on favourite Winter Lightning, who had defeated her in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas and UAE 1000 Guineas Trial three and six weeks prior.
Winter Lightning disappointed after a wide trip under Pat Cosgrave, never factoring much and finishing astern fellow Godolphin banner-mate Expressiy, who ran gamely to be second under William Buick.
Winter Lightning and Rayya locked in epic battle in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (Credits DRC // Andrew Watkins)
Owned by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Rayya was an ultra-impressive winner of a 1400m juvenile fillies’ maiden on her debut in December, before chasing home Winter Lighting on both subsequent outings.
“She was a lot more relaxed today than last time when we never really knew what upset her,” Dobbs said. “Halfway down the back straight I knew she was going to be very hard to beat. The one-draw is a big help and I was not going to waste it. We knew she would stay, so I was always going to be positive, but you have to compliment Doug and his team for getting her back to her best.”
Dobbs and Watson combined to win the race in 2016 with Polar River.
“She was just not herself in the Guineas, but was much better tonight and always looked happy,” Watson said. “I imagine we will have to look at the UAE Derby now but will enjoy this first.”
The $1 million Gr1 Kentucky Oaks, America’s top 3-year-old filly dirt event, may also be on the radar for the U. S.-bred daughter of Tiz Wonderful. “The Kentucky Oaks would be a goal,” Watson said. “We have her nominated, but let’s see how she comes out of this and the (UAE) Derby.”
The final meeting of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival is next weekend’s Super Saturday, on March 10th, the dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup card three weeks later.
