During the 500m of the exciting prep for the US$6 million Gr.1 Dubai Turf, the contest was just between Century Dream and Mythical Magic. The horses powered on to prove their prowess. Charlie Appleby trained-Mythical Magic collared his foe with a furlong remaining, winning by three lengths. Sired by Iffraaj, the gelded 4YO had exited an excellent second in the Gr.2 Al Fahidi Fort. I
The final time was a strong 1:36.39 for the 1600m, with First Contact, Wootton and South African Gr.1 winner Marinaresco closing well to complete the top five. Defending champion Janoobi, Australian G1 winner Comin’ Through, 2017 winner Championship and Top Score completed the octet at the wire.
“I thought he would come forward,” Appleby added. “He went to his girth there and stayed on nicely in the Al Fahidi Fort and we thought the step up in (the) trip was going to suit. We’ll have a chat (about the Dubai Turf). He could maybe go to Australia for the Doncaster, but obviously, we’ll get back and regroup and see where we are. Very pleasing night. He’s always been a bit tricky and he’s in great nick now. It’s been worth persevering with. When you’re on the kind of roll that we’re on now, the confidence certainly flows throughout the stable.”
Jockey Murphy who rode Century Dream, was pleased with his mount's performance at the track. Century Dream was making his first start since a good third in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in October.
“He jumped well and he relaxed the first three furlongs,” Murphy said. “I got a nice tow off Top Score. Christophe tried to slow the pace and (Century Dream) got a little bit keen. He did enough work to make the race, but he paid the price for it up the straight. It wasn’t a bad run. He’s a genuine Group 1 performer, so that’s where we are with him.”
“It was a good, solid run race and the pace was very good,” O’Donoghue said of First Contact. “He ran a very competitive race and he galloped straight through the line. I’m very happy with him.”
Distance: 1,600 metres, Surface: Turf, Track: Left-handed,Purse: $250,000
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com