Mnasek dominates UAE Oaks
A Kentucky-bred daughter of Empire Maker,
Mnasek has earned her ticket back stateside after a dominant victory in Thursday’s $125,000 UAE Oaks (G3) at Meydan. But the Al Rashid Stables runner could make one more start in Dubai, if connections decide to take a swing at the Mar. 27 UAE Derby (G2) on World Cup night.
Just as the UAE Derby offers a bonanza of Kentucky Derby (G1) points, so does the companion UAE Oaks serve as a qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Mnasek picked up 50 points in her 6 1/2-length romp, extending her record to 2-for-3.
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Mouheeb wins on debut at Jebel Ali
Thursday s second classic of the Dubai season, the Group 3 $125,000 UAE 2000 Guineas, has drawn a solid sextet, led by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum s Jebel Ali Racecourse-based Mouheeb and Godolphin s Naval Crown. The 1600m (one mile) affair goes as the evening s third of six races.
Three weeks ago, Mouheeb valiantly battled leading local sophomore Rebel s Romance to a short head in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial over this one-mile layout. On the merits of such, he is the co-favorite in this, despite his 95 official rating landing nine pounds short of Charlie Appleby-conditioned Naval Crown.
Secret Ambition, Kimbear Renew Rivalry In Dubai This Thursday Sponsored by:
Kimbear (centre) wins the 2020 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 over Secret Ambition (left) & North America
Old rivals Secret Ambition and Kimbear spark anew their competitive relationship this Thursday in the Group 3 $130,000 Firebreak Stakes at Meydan Racecourse. Rated 109 and 108, respectively, the pair have faced off seven times, dating back to the 2018 Burj Nahaar (G3) when RRR Racing s (HH Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi) Kimbear defeated Nasir Askar s runner-up Secret Ambition.
In four of their seven meetings, they have finished adjacent on the results chart, including three one-two finishes. All in all, Kimbear has a 4-3 lead on his friendly foe.
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Soft Whisper and Frankie Dettori cruise to an easy victory in the UAE 1,000 Guineas
The first classic of the UAE season took place in the UAE 1000 Guineas (Listed) this Thursday at Meydan, held over one mile on the dirt. Godolphin s Saeed bin Suroor-trained Soft Whisper vied for favoritism with Al Rashid Stables Doug Watson-trained Mnasek before the race.
What set up as a great matchup never manifested as Soft Whisper screamed home a dominant seven-length winner under stalk-and-pounce Frankie Dettori tactics, while Mnasek missed the break before closing to a distant second under Dane O Neill. Watson-trained Super Chianti was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third under Pat Dobbs after racing greenly during the final three furlongs.
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Soft Whisper wins the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial
The second meeting of the 2021 Dubai World Cup Carnival (DWCC) at Meydan on Thursday evening features the first Classic of the season, the 1600m (one mile) Listed UAE 1000 Guineas presented by Longines. Saeed bin Suroor has a phenomenal record in the 3-year-old fillies race and is seeking a 12th success since landing the inaugural event with Muwakleh in 2001.
The master of nearby Al Quoz Stables relies on Godolphin homebred Soft Whisper, winner of the 1400m (seven furlongs) UAE 1000 Guineas Trial three weeks ago. Frankie Dettori, seeking a fifth win in the race and fourth for Bin Suroor, takes the mount, replacing Pat Cosgrave who was aboard in the trial.