Valentine’s Day at Meydan Racecourse delivered a fitting fairytale as CUPID’S DREAM stormed to victory in the Lincoln Presidential Handicap , providing a poetic tribute to the day of love. Interestingly, named after his dam, VALENTINE’S DAY, the four-year-old gelding ensured a script-worthy ending by claiming one of the dirt feature races on the Al Tayer Motors sponsored Carnival card.
Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, CUPID’S DREAM had caught the eye on his local debut when setting a blistering pace only to be reeled in late. This time, with a more measured ride from Silvestre De Sousa, he tracked the leaders before making his move off the home turn, surging clear to win by an emphatic four lengths over MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO.
“He’s been pleasing in every gallop at home,” said De Sousa. “Dropping back in trip suited him and there was plenty of pace. We’re keeping the dream alive!”
The evening also saw William Buick make a flying visit to Dubai for a single ride, and it proved worthwhile as he partnered CREATIVE STORY to victory in the Lincoln Aviator Presidential Handicap. The Charlie Appleby trained gelding, already a winner at Meydan last time out, showcased his versatility by overcoming a wide trip and a midfield position before quickening smartly in the final 400 metres to score by a length over AL SALT.
“He’s a lovely horse and he came here winless this winter, having been tried in some nice maidens at home,” said Buick. “I love the way he does it—he’s very straightforward, relaxes, picks up well, and he’ll stay a mile. I know it was off a low weight, but he had plenty left.”
Earlier in the evening, the Lincoln Corsair Handicap produced a thrilling finish as VALDIVIA secured his second win of the season, and his first on turf. The Ahmad Bin Harmash-trained four-year-old, known for his consistency, had to overcome interference at the 200-metre mark before edging out KATHAB by a neck, with NATURAL WORLD finishing third.
“It was a messy race all the way,” said winning rider Pat Beasley. “Sixteen runners with the rail pushed out tightened the track up quite a bit, but he stuck his neck out and ran all the way to the line.”
Beasley and Bin Harmash quickly doubled up when SIR HARMONY put in a commanding performance in the Lincoln Nautilus Conditions race. The three-year-old son of SPEIGHTSTER made all the running and cruised to his second career win, following up on a maiden success at Jebel Ali a month ago.
“We’ve always held him in high regard from day one,” said Beasley. “He won nicely up the hill, then didn’t quite back it up. He’s a horse with plenty of ability—he just needed to grow up a bit. Today he was a lot better; he jumped well, traveled strongly, and got the job done nicely. Whatever he does this season is only a bonus I think he’ll be a nice horse for next season.”
Apprentice Lorenzo Putzulu also had a night to remember as he celebrated his first UAE win aboard MARKAKOL in the Lincoln Aviator Handicap over 1000 metres on turf. Best known as the daily rider of Dubai World Cup winner LAUREL RIVER, the young jockey seized his opportunity, guiding MARKAKOL to a length-and-a-quarter victory despite an awkward break at the start.
“I saw the previous runs of this horse and thought he had a chance, especially with the weight drop and my claim,” said Putzulu, who is riding in the UAE for the first time this season after a successful summer in Scandinavia. “It’s a tough game, especially here with all the top guys. I’ve been waiting for this for a while, and I’m grateful to Julio and the owner for giving me the chance. To have my first win at Meydan is amazing.”
It was a good night for apprentice riders, with Hamad Al Busaidi also making his mark in the opening race, guiding SALB to victory in the Al Tayer Motors-sponsored Purebred Arabian event. The Omani-born jockey produced a perfectly timed challenge along the rail to secure a first Meydan win for himself, the Royal Cavalry of Oman, and trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
The evening’s Valentine’s Day theme continued as MASHKOOR, a son of CUPID, claimed the Lincoln Handicap over 2200 metres on dirt. The grey five-year-old, representing owner and trainer Marwan Al Baidhaei, delivered a strong performance to hold off Swedish challenger HAVANDI by three-quarters of a length.
The final contest of the night, the Lincoln Navigator Handicap over 1400 metres on turf, saw NO RETREAT finally get his reward after finishing second on four consecutive starts. The Fawzi Nass-trained runner, ridden by Pat Dobbs, showed determination in the closing stages to edge out WARSONG by half a length.
Racing returns to Meydan next Friday, with the Group 2 Balanchine set to be the feature race on an exciting card.
