Meydan | 01-March - Super Saturday
Imperial Emperor Dominates Al Maktoum Classic to Secure Dubai World Cup Berth
There was barely enough room on the presentation stage for the 14 jubilant owners of Imperial Emperor after Bhupat Seemar’s gelding stormed to victory in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic (sponsored by Emirates Airline), earning his spot in the prestigious G1 Dubai World Cup.
Purchased for AED 300,000 at the Racing In Dubai Sale last March, Imperial Emperor entered the AED 1.7 million contest as the favorite but faced a challenge from draw 15 over the 2000-meter trip. However, jockey Tadhg O’Shea expertly secured a prime position just outside the leaders, launching his charge in the home straight to win by an emphatic eight and a half lengths over stablemate Artorius and Korean raider Global Hit, who ran bravely from the front.
“Wow, what a horse!” exclaimed Ryan Tongue, Director of British-based syndicate Deva Racing. “He owed us nothing before tonight—we just wanted him to come home safe. This is a dream come true. I can’t believe we’re in the Dubai World Cup!”
O’Shea added: “This horse keeps improving. I’ve ridden him three times and won all three. That was probably his career-best. It was a true-run race, and there was nowhere to hide. He’s incredibly genuine.”
Nations Pride Bounces Back with Convincing Singspiel Stakes Victory
A four-time Group 1 winner, Nations Pride justified favoritism in the G2 Singspiel Stakes (sponsored by Emirates Airline) with a strong performance.
Despite recent setbacks in the G2 Bahrain Trophy and G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf, the six-year-old put those behind him with an assured run. Under jockey William Buick, he was positioned close to the pace in the 1800-meter turf contest and surged ahead off the home turn. However, he had to dig deep to repel the determined Holloway Boy, who finished second, and First Conquest, who took third, winning by one and a quarter lengths and three lengths, respectively.
Trainer Charlie Appleby commented: “We came in confident that he was in the right shape to win. He had valid excuses for his last two defeats—he struggled in Bahrain’s right-handed track, and at Gulfstream, the long shipping process and conditions didn’t suit him.
“There’s still more to come, and we’ll look at Dubai World Cup night and the Dubai Turf. But if Romantic Warrior turns up, we’re all running for second place!”
Buick and Appleby celebrated a second Group success on the night when Silver Knott powered home in the G2 Dubai City of Gold (sponsored by Emirates Airline).
The five-year-old, a Group 1 campaigner in the U.S., is expected to return stateside later this season. This time, he made no mistake, leading throughout and finishing two lengths clear of Passion And Glory, with See Hector taking third.
Buick said: “We learned last year in the U.S. that he’s highly effective from the front. He’s professional, talented, and I was delighted with that effort—hopefully, he can build on it.”
Tuz Makes History with Mahab Al Shimaal Triumph
The presence of Japanese contender American Stage made the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (sponsored by Emirates.com) look more competitive for Tuz, but that didn’t faze him—he dominated once again.
Bhupat Seemar’s sprinting sensation made history, becoming the first horse to sweep the Garhoud Sprint (Listed), Dubawi Stakes (G3), Al Shindagha Sprint (G3), and Mahab Al Shimaal (G3) in one season.
He executed his usual front-running tactics, setting blistering fractions even as Al Shibli pressed him early. But Tuz proved far superior, surging home by five lengths over American Stage, with Eastern World, the 2022 winner, finishing third.
“He’s a streetfighter—just keeps coming back, like Muhammad Ali!” exclaimed Seemar. “He’s made history by sweeping Dubai’s major dirt sprints.
“There will be strong challengers in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, but we have home advantage.”
Caullery Strikes Again as Fort Payne Shocks in Burj Nahaar
Caullery Strikes Again as Fort Payne Shocks in Burj Nahaar
The Nicolas Caullery stable has built a reputation for springing surprises, and they did it again with Fort Payne securing back-to-back Super Saturday victories in the G3 Burj Nahaar (sponsored by Emirates Airline).
Last year, he triumphed over 1400 meters on turf in the G3 Ras Al Khor, but this time, Caullery switched him to dirt, making only his second career start on the surface.
With Dylan McMonagle in the saddle, Fort Payne settled in midfield before engaging in a battle with Oasis Boy in the final 400 meters, eventually prevailing by a length to earn a berth in the G2 Godolphin Mile.
The win marked McMonagle’s first UAE victory, stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Adrie De Vries.
“I spoke to Adrie before the race, and he gave me great confidence,” said McMonagle. “It’s only my third ride on dirt, but with a horse like this, it’s much easier—he was really smooth.
“This is the kind of place where you want to ride winners, so I’m delighted.”
International challengers continued to impress as West Acre secured his second Carnival victory in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo).
Trainer George Scott’s gelding, dropping in grade from his G2 Blue Point Sprint win, had to work hard to deny Ponntos, who led until 100 meters from the line.
“It was much tougher than his last race,” admitted jockey Callum Shepherd. “Ponntos got into his rhythm, and we didn’t have a direct line to him.
“But West Acre was gutsy—he found extra in the closing stages. I think he could be even better over 1200 meters in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint.”
Appleby’s Classic Contenders Impress on Super Saturday
The most anticipated favorite on the card, Mountain Breeze, lived up to expectations in the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas (sponsored by Emirates Skywards).
The Charlie Appleby-trained filly tracked front-runner Octans before surging clear to win by nearly four lengths.
“We expected that,” said winning jockey Buick. “She had only run a mile once before, and it didn’t go well, so that was the only concern.
“The key was keeping her relaxed and smooth—she’s set up for a strong campaign back in Europe.”
Appleby and Buick made it four wins on the night as Ruling Court justified favoritism in the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas (sponsored by Emirates Holidays).
Having last raced in a G3 at York in August, the Sandown maiden winner produced a striking late surge to win by six lengths over The Fingal Raven and Norwegian contender War Socks.
Appleby commented: “After his defeat in the Acomb at York, we decided to give him time to develop, and it’s paying off.
“We believe he’s a 2000-meter horse—whether he goes to the Dante Stakes or takes in the Guineas first, we’ll see.”
Mubeed Cements Kahayla Classic Credentials
Arabian star Mubeed secured his G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic spot by dominating Round 3 of the Maktoum Challenge (sponsored by Arabian Adventures).
Under Ray Dawson, he powered past Hiab Al Zaman in the straight, winning by three and a half lengths.
Dawson said: “We always believed in him, and he delivered when it mattered.”