THE Group 1 $400,000 Jebel Hatta run at Meydan on Super Saturday was for those aspiring to compete in the Dubai Turf in a fortnight’s time.

The race showed why Godolphin’s Dream Castle (Frankel) is arguably the top turf horse in the UAE, as he recorded his third consecutive win over nine furlongs. Under Christophe Soumillon, the colt won with authority, a length and a quarter clear of the rest.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor was over the moon: “Last year, we thought maybe he could be a sprinter, but I believe he’s a nine-furlong plus horse. This year he has shown he’s a class Group 1 horse.” “The last two runs were quite impressive,” Soumillon added. “I was really confident with him today, even with that draw. He’s a really different horse compared to last year when he was a colt.”

The day opened with the Group 3 Mahab Al Shimaal over six furlongs on dirt and was a huge win for Irish connections. Drafted (Field Commission) ran on strongly to take the lead close to home with Pat Dobbs in the saddle for Doug Watson and Misty Hollow Farm (including Brian and Damian Gleeson). The David Marnane-trained Tato Key was a good third, two necks separating the top three.

Watson said: “He likes to run and likes to win. It’s great for the owners. He’s been a great purchase.” Shane Foley rode Tato Key to finish third and said: “I was drawn on 10 and probably a bit wider than ideal. He still ran a big race. I look forward to riding him on World Cup night if we get a good draw.”

BEAT THE COLTS

The middle leg of the UAE Triple Crown is the $300,000 Listed Al Bastakiya. Run over nine and a half furlongs on dirt, this renewal was won comprehensively by Godolphin’s UAE Oaks heroine Divine Image (Scat Daddy) who pounced on her male foes with ease in the final two furlongs, winning by seven and a quarter lengths under Brett Doyle for trainer Charlie Appleby. Sheikh Mohammed was present to witness the three-year-old from her sire’s final crop prove far too good for her 13 rivals.

Appleby said: “She’s a very talented filly, but she’s learning on the job. (The UAE Derby) is definitely on the cards, but we also have the Kentucky Oaks to take into consideration.”

The first turf race of the night was the six-furlong, $350,000 Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Blue Point (Shamardal) impressed again and added to the tally of Appleby, Godolphin and William Buick in style, sprinting clear of Ekhtiyaar by three lengths at the wire in a good time. Winner of the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, he was far too good for his 10 rivals here.

Buick said: “He’s just a lot more professional now. This was another stepping stone to the Al Quoz. It was just lovely that he’s channelling all his ability and strengths. He’s always been an exciting horse. His confidence has grown. He knows how good he is.”

Last year Blue Point was withdrawn on veterinary advice at the start of the Group 1 Al Quoz on Dubai World Cup night.