MEYDAN SUPER

SATURDAY

DECORATED Knight, a five-year-old son of Galileo, landed the nine-furlong Group 1 Jebel Hatta, the trial for the Dubai Turf, on Super Saturday at Meydan. This was the highlight of the three turf races run on the night.

Godolphin’s Folkswood produced a brave effort to make all and it was only in the last few strides that Andrea Atzeni was able to get Decorated Knight’s head in front. Trainer Roger Charlton previously tasted Group 1 success at Meydan with Cityscape five years ago.

“He is a progressive horse who improved last season and has continued to do so,” said Atzeni.

“He could have run in the Winter Derby last week but is already a Group 3 winner [at Leopardstown] so it made sense to come here. The pace was not quick, which did not suit him, but he has a good turn of foot and stays further, so I was always pretty hopeful. He should be spot on in three weeks for the Dubai Turf.”

There was a shock in the mile and a half Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold. It was won last year by Postponed who then followed up with a victory in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. This time Andrea Atzeni was unable to peg back Godolphin’s Prize Money, a son of Authorized. The winner was stepping up considerably in class and held the four-time Group 1 winner Postponed by a neck on the line.

Prize Money is trained by Saeed bin Suroor and was ridden by Adrie de Vries. “This horse is just improving all the time and is a very useful four-year-old,” said the winning jockey.

“I actually thought we hit the front a bit too soon but I had to take the opportunity when it presented itself. He should give a good account of himself in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, and probably has more to offer yet.”

A new race this year was the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, a six-furlong prep for the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint which was previously run over the minimum trip. A maximum field of 16 competed but it was Charlie Appleby who supplied the first two home, with Jungle Cat getting the better of Baccarat, both carrying the Godolphin blue silks. William Buick was in the plate on Jungle Cat, an Irish-bred son of Iffraaj.

“We knew we had two live chances and they have both run very well,” said Appleby.

“Jungle Cat has enjoyed a far smoother passage than Baccarat and both more than merit their place in the Al Quoz Sprint.”