Thursday’s sixth meeting of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan Racecourse was highlighted by the Group 3 US$250,000 UAE 2000 Guineas. Over 1600m on dirt, the classic turned into a procession by Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby-trained Gold Town, who completed a treble on the card for the owners.
Fifteen may have gone to post for the 3-year-old Classic, but there was only one apparent winner from about halfway, as jockey William Buick always looked supremely confident. Winner of a 1400m trial three weeks ago on his local and dirt debut, when sauntering home at his leisure, he arguably won even more easily on this occasion as he crossed the line 10½ lengths superior. Gold Town’s sire Street Cry won this race in 2001 a year prior to winning the Dubai World Cup (G1).
“Just like the (UAE 2000 Guineas) Trial over 1400m, he was again very impressive and gave me a great feel all the way round,” Buick said. “Once I could see on the big screen that we were clear, I was even able to give him a pat before the line. On his trial form, he looked head and shoulders above the rest coming into this race, so once he broke well enough, everything went smoothly. The UAE Derby is an extra 300m, but I do not see that being an issue and I assume that will be the plan.”
Class prevailed in the opening Al Ruwayah (G2), the only Purebred Arabian race on the card. Over 1600m on the dirt and won by Paddy’s Day, a multiple G1 winner, including over this course and distance in Al Maktoum Challenge R1 on the opening night of the Carnival.
Settled off the modest pace by Pat Dobbs, riding for main employer Doug Watson and penalised for that victory five weeks ago, he loomed up behind the leaders on the home turn but then had to dig deep in the straight to overpower his foes.
“They did not go very quick today and he was not travelling as well as he has done in the past two races here at Meydan,” Dobbs said. “I should have won the last day when I was left in front earlier than I planned and we were caught close home. I was kicking myself afterwards. Obviously, the draw plays a big part in tactics but he is probably happier racing prominently but has shown here can be ridden more patiently. He has not won by far, but he is a horse who has had plenty of races and knows what the game is all about. He was hardly blowing after this race, so I think he had plenty more to offer if needed.”
Credit: Qatar Racing Club