Abdullah Mohammed al-Kuwari owned and trained Abeer recorded a gutsy win over Saafi and Ice Empress in the 1,850 metres Oaks Trial for Thoroughbreds, which was the highlight of the races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday.
Abeer (Marvin Suerland up) who was handily placed at the top of the straight, surged ahead when the race was on the boil and held on gallantly even as Saafia with jockey Gerard Avranche on the saddle, came with a threatening run. Ice Empress also put in an impressive performance while finishing a close third.
“I am very happy with this performance as Abeer came good even though she was tackling this distance for the first time. Having in a race like this, we are confident that she will be a serious contender in the Oaks,” Abullah Mohammed al-Kuwari told the Gulf Times.
Jockey Suerland who sought to ride Abeer in the Oaks Trial was mighty pleased with the victory. “I had watched the filly race before and requested the owner for a ride in this race because I knew she had the ability. She was very keen in the beginning and I had to restrain her. After I pulled her out in the straight, Abeer responded well and won very easy. Though the 2,000 metres trip in the Oaks maybe a bit of a bother, Abeer still has a very good chance to win.”
Youef Bentaher trained Maxenesse toyed with the opposition in the Group III Oaks Trial for Pure Arabians and advertised her readiness to strike in the Derby or Oaks later this month. The field was completely outclassed so much so that the David Badel ridden Maxenesse had the luxury of setting her own pace and stretching away in fine style to win as she pleased.
“She looks like the best four-year-old filly here. Maxenesse has the class to do it in the Derby or the Oaks, but we will have to wait and see which race she will compete,” jockey Badel said.
The day’s other impressive winner came in the 1,200 metres Pure Arabian Maiden Plate where Alban de Mieulle trained Sharood won in a manner that makes his future progress worth following. Sporting the colours of Umm Qarn, the son of Makzan made a smashing debut and beat the opposition pointless.
After tracking Rayeg into the straight, Sharood with Frenchman Gerard Avranche on the saddle, picked up speed in a sensational manner and went away for a three length win over stable mate Alchard, who was also making his maiden appearance on the race track.
Abdulaziz al-Qaithri schooled Mogida (David Badel up), who had performed poorly in her last three outings, was seen in different colours in the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 50 to 80. Though not getting a clear passage, Mogida collared the front-running Haizum and Helu Al Maany with a great deal of ease. Haizum was well placed to strike but did not pick up speed when under pressure and finished third behind Helu Al Maany.
Abdullah Mohammed al-Kuwari trained Logos Astra recorded his second straight victory as he powered his way to a thrilling win over Polish Phantom in the Thoroughbred Handicap, a race for horses rated 60 to 80. Polish Phantom (Adrie de Vries astride) had everything going for him until Logos Astra caught up with him in the dying moments of the race. Jockey Andreas Helfenbein rode a perfect race on the winner. Flying Lady came from way behind to take the third place ahead of Get Ready.
Majid Safedeen’s General Duke’s recorded a hat-trick of wins when he gamely from a fast finishing Mega Mount in the second division of the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 60 to 80.
General’s Duke’s (Darren Williams up) led the field from the word ‘go’ and stretched away as the field straightened for the home stretch. Williams and General Duke’s established a sizeable lead, which eventually held them in good stead as the spirited challenge of Mega Mount could be negated.
In the day’s other action, Julian Smart nurtured Agshar won in an exciting finish in the local bred Pure Arabian Stakes. Though coming late on the scene, the power packed finish by jockey Martin Lawson ensured victory for the Smart trainee.
