Dubai Beach confirmed her growing stature in the fillies’ and mares’ ranks with a determined success in the Group 2 Cape Verdi, the centrepiece of a compelling evening that added further depth to the latest Meydan Racecourse results.
The popular Godolphin filly, trained by the veteran Saeed bin Suroor, provided her handler with a sixth victory in the 1600-metre contest, edging out a strong late challenge to underline her progression at the highest level.
Settled just off the pace, Dubai Beach found plenty when asked in the straight. She held on gamely to deny the fast-finishing Quid Pro Quo by a neck, with Dubai Treasure filling third, as the home straight crackled with tension.
“She made a little hard work of it, but she’s clearly improving and this fillies’ division is there for the taking,” said rider Kieran Shoemark after the race. Looking ahead, he added that the filly’s strong finish suggested she would be equally effective over further, notably in the Group 2 Balanchine.
Quid Pro Quo, a dual Group 1 winner in South Africa, lost little in defeat on her local debut. Trainer Jerome Reynier was measured in his assessment, noting how narrowly the race had slipped away after his filly fought hard all the way to the line.
The supporting programme proved just as absorbing. The Cocoa Beach Stakes saw Labwah strengthen her Classic credentials, though not without a stern examination. Salem bin Ghadayer’s filly was headed in the straight by familiar rival Tjareed before battling back with real resolve to prevail by a short head under Bernardo Pinheiro.
Pinheiro later spoke of the emotions that come with a horse responding under pressure, a theme that resonated throughout the card. He and bin Ghadayer combined again in the penultimate handicap, as Folk Festival came from last to first over 1600 metres, producing a sharp turn of foot despite a wide draw.
Wathnan Racing and trainer Hamad Al Jehani continued a productive season with a double. French Duke closed the night in style in the Vazirabad Handicap, running on strongly from midfield under James Doyle to defeat Claymore. Earlier, English Oak showed his class in the Burj Azizi Handicap, overcoming a slow start and traffic problems before asserting late to score over a mile.
Elsewhere, Beccali returned from a lengthy absence in emphatic fashion in the Azizi Reve Handicap. William Buick’s mount travelled smoothly before quickening clear to win decisively, suggesting further improvement to come.
There was also a notable success on the dirt for British connections, as Karl Burke’s Antrim adapted seamlessly to the surface to claim the Azizi Milan Handicap over 2200 metres, giving jockey Sam James his first victory in the UAE.
Earlier on the card, Michael Costa’s Yotarid impressed with a decisive win in the straight-course Azizi Venice Handicap, while Impressive Act rewarded patient tactics in the opening race. The Purebred Arabian feature went the way of Jamra SB, who scored comfortably for Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
With a nine-race all-Group programme scheduled next, featuring the Al Maktoum Challenge and Jebel Hatta, the spotlight will soon return to Nad Al Sheba. For now, these Meydan race results 16 January offered a rich snapshot of a season gathering momentum. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.