Trinity a Force to reckon with at Meydan
dubai — Racing returned to Meydan Racecourse, for the first time since March and Dubai World Cup day, and the featured 2000m Emirates Airline Handicap was won in determined fashion by Trinity Force.
Champion trainer, Doug Watson, saddled six of the 14 runners and it was one of them, Mizbah, who won a frantic early battle for the lead under Pat Dobbs and turning for home they had the vast majority of their rivals in trouble.
However, Tadhg O’Shea was edging closer aboard Trinity Force, trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi throughout the duration of the straight. At the 100m pole they drew level, with Mizbah fighting back but, finally passed with 50m to run, though comfortably holding on for second from his stable companions, Grand Argentier and Jeeraan.
“I was pretty confident coming into the race with our nice low weight,” explained O’Shea. “We knew there was going to be a fast gallop and that suits this horse so from our low draw, I was in the ideal position to stalk the speed.
“I won on Mizbah last season so knew he would be tough to pass but we managed to in the end.”
Godolphin and Saeed bin Suroor got off the mark for their campaign, landing the 1600m Emirates A380 Handicap with Naaeebb, who was completing a quick double for jockey Pat Cosgrave.
Having only his fourth start and previously a maiden, the threeyear-old made stealthy progress from midfield on the home turn before hitting the front early in the straight. He never really looked in any danger afterwards, running on gamely and Cosgrave said: “We had a bad draw but he was always going well and took me into the race effortlessly.
“Remember, he is only three and having his first start on dirt, taking on some seasoned performers. I thought I was going to win easily but he did not really know what to do.
“He has won now and is a horse for the future; he is only going to improve with racing and experience.”
Being drawn widest of all in stall 14, was not enough to prevent Rothenburg making a winning debut in the previous race, the Emirates Holidays 1400m maiden, initiating Cosgrave’s double.
Trained by Helal Al Alawi, he was given a patient ride by the jockey who was never far off the pace before asking his mount to challenge in the straight.
Meanwhile, Fernando Jara had set sail for home on Loures, who had led from the outset but had no response in the final 50m when Cosgrave and Rothenburg, who had remained wide throughout, gained the initiative.