DUBAI DEWHURST

STAKES (Group 1)

IF ever there was a meeting which highlighted the problems punters face when the ground changes in autumn, this was surely it.

After a string of setbacks, favourite backers surely thought Richard Hannon’s Estidhkaar (11/8) would complete a four-timer in the Group 1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes but it was not be, victory going to Roger Varian’s 10/1 chance Belardo, who beat Kodi Bear by a comfortable two lengths. Aidan O’Brien’s Smuggler’s Cove was two and a half lengths away in third. Then came the disappointing market leader, who had beaten the winner tidily enough at Doncaster last time.

Andrea Atzeni held up Belardo in the last pair as Kodi Bear went on. The winner had a troubled passage from just over a furlong out but Atzeni finally forced his way through and quickly went clear from Kodi Bear as Smuggler’s Cove kept on, despite being pushed out to his right. Estidhkaar jinked at the start and was never moving like a winner, though there will be another day for him. “I think he was a little too keen last time and then he was asked to sprint for the final three furlongs,” Varian said. “This suited him much better and you’ve seen how good he is. It’s great to win for Prince Faisal, who has been such a great supporter of the yard. We can go on from this and anything is possible next spring”.

Atzeni seems to ride big winners every week and still has the main job with Qatar Racing to look forward to next year. “He did everything right today,” he said. “Maybe the ground was a bit too quick at Doncaster but today he travelled beautifully and the first-time hood helped him relax. I’m very fortunate to ride for such good, loyal owners. Things have been going very well for me but it’s all down to the support staff.”

It has been a memorable year for Varian, who won his first British classic with Kingston Hill in the St Leger and the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Betfred quoted Belardo, a son of Ballylinch Stud’s first season sire Lope De Vega, at 20/1 for the 2000 Guineas.