Big things ahead for Mankib

A RETURN to Pattern-race company is likely to be back on the agenda for Mankib after he returned to winning ways with a decisive victory in the

Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes at Newbury.

The son of Tamayuz, who contested last year’s French 2000 Guineas, gave owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum back-to-back victories in the sevenfurlong Listed contest, defeating Good Effort by four and a half lengths to secure his third win since joining William Haggas.

Maureen Haggas, wife of the winning trainer, said of the 4-1 chance: “Chelmsford all went wrong last time. He looked well today and he settled well. He just looked in a good place and ran a good race. He seemed to enjoy the ground.

“He was at Shadwell for quite a while before he came to us and he had a few issues which they did really nice job on, and he came into us in good shape. I think he just needed to get his confidence back really.

“He has got a penalty in a Listed race now so you may as well kick on, but that is not my department.”

Owner Andrew Rosen had plenty to celebrate from his base in New York as Fashion’s Star (3-1) secured an impressive length-and-a-quarter victory on her debut in the Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes.

Trainer Roger Charlton said: “He is a very keen owner and a great supporter of English racing.

“I think that was very satisfactory in tough conditions. She did everything right and looked very professional. She will get a mile.”