Nad Al Sheba Review Thursday, January 20th
By Martin Talty
Al Quoz Stables, the Dubai base of Godolphin, has sent out five of the six Maktoum Challenge champions and after the first round of the Emirates' domestic championship at Nad Al Sheba last Thursday night, it appears that number six will be this year.
Saeed bin Suroor saddled four of the 10 runners and if jockey engagements were anything to go by, then Siege was, perhaps, the fourth pick. That is nothing against winning rider, French jockey, Sylvan Guillot, Godolphin's French-based jockey, however John Carroll opted for Goombayland, Daragh O'Donohoe was aboard Comeonmum and Ted Durcan rode Asood.
However it was Siege who made the race his own, settling outside the early leader Goombayland and then racing clear in the straight to win by four and a half lengths. Goombayland stayed on well for second while Fire Thunder, prepared by Paddy Rudkin, went well for third as did stablemate Eclair.
The fact that both first and second dictated terms in front suggests a slow to moderate early sectionals however that was not the case, both Siege and Goombayland showed their class and suggested that better races are within their grasp.
The effort of Eclair, who came from last, was full of merit and the second and third legs of the Series over 1,800m and 2,000m respectively will suit him. Whether or not Siege takes the next step to 1,800m and then 2,000m remains to be seen however it does appear the logical next step to determine whether he can follow on the same path as other Al Quoz-prepared winners Cezanne, Halling, Tamayaz, Kammtarra and Spindrift.
The opening round of the Maktoum Challenge signals the arrival of Al Quoz and the stable was out in force last Thursday night and they won three of the six races, aside from Siege they also won with Breathtaking View, who took the opening 2,400m turf handicap over 2,400m and Pozarica was very impressive winning the 2,400m Conditions event on the dirt.
Pozarica had four and a half lengths to spare over Sabadilla, this is good form considering Sabadilla finished fourth behind Fruits Of Love in last year's Dubai Turf Classic on Dubai World Cup Day.
Pozarica is clearly a very good horses and the Group III US$2million Dubai Sheema Classic could well his main target.
Richard Hills, who was disappointed after the last place finish of Labeq in the thoroughbred Maktoum Challenge did have reason to celebrate on the evening following the win of Al Sakbe in the opening round of the Purebred Arabian Maktoum Challenge.
Al Sakbe was winning his 10th race in 11 starts here, his only defeat coming at his Emirates debut at his previous start, and his narrow victory over Khoutoubia has set up an exciting rematch in three weeks time.
