NORTH AMERICA after winning the Al Maktoum Challenge R2 (G2) (DRC/ER)
Winner: NORTH AMERICA
Owner: Ramzan Kadyrov
Trainer: Satish Seemar
Jockey: Richard Mullen
Official Time: 1:58.65 (1900m, Track Record: 1:57.89)
Margin of Victory: 2.25 Lengths
Richard Mullen, Jockey, NORTH AMERICA (1st)—“He is a bit like his jockey, improving with age. A lot was made out of his (dominant) first run and it is hard for a horse to replicate what he did. Yes, he was visibly impressive and I always had it in the back of my mind that I thought he would win this race, but I didn’t think he would do it in the manner in which he did. It is very hard for a horse to back that up. A lot of it was freshness and a lot of it was obviously adrenaline.
“He is a top-class horse and he likes the surroundings. He has a beautiful stride and I think that is what kills a lot of the other horses off. His stride pattern is so different to the others; just half-pacing around there. That was phase one and phase two complete and now two more to go or maybe just one. We will sit down with the boss and speak to the owner and see if we skip Round 3 or freshen him up and go to the big night. He is going in the right direction.”
Satish Seemar, Trainer, NORTH AMERICA (1st)—“The thing is, he did it his style and that’s what is important for this horse, the way he just jumped out and went on his way. Richie didn’t even touch him and he was doing it on his own. Richie, even though he knew horses were coming, he and the horse knew they could take another stride and (hold them off). It was exactly what we wanted. We have time now and we may or may not go for the (Group 1 $600,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3) on Super Saturday.”
Connor Beasley, Jockey, NEW TRAILS (2nd)—“He travelled very good and ran a very bold race. I’m very pleased with him.”
Pat Dobbs, Jockey, COSMO CHARLIE (3rd)—“He’s a nice run around, but he’s not the same horse unless he’s making (the pace). He got a bit tired. He hasn’t run in a long time. We’re happy enough with him.”
Pat Cosgrave, Jockey, SENIOR INVESTMENT (4th)—“He ran a nice race, but he just needs to go a little bit forward with more distance. We can’t complain.”
Jim Crowley, Jockey, ETIJAAH (5th)—“I got a good run but, he ran ok. It was a good race. He isn’t getting any younger. I had a good position, but he was just not quite good enough.”
Royston Ffrench, Jockey, SECOND SUMMER (6th)—“Obviously, he’s had a long time off. He bled last time, but thankfully he’s come back and had an easy race there. Everything seems to be fine so he can go on from here.”
fonte : #DWCCarnival #DubaiWorldCup
OFFICIAL STAKES QUOTES: $250,000 UAE 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP 3)
ESTIHDAAF wins the Group 3 $250,000 UAE 2000 GUINEAS (Dubai Racing Club|Erika Rasmussen)
OFFICIAL STAKES QUOTES $250,000 UAE 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP 3)
Winner: ESTIHDAAF
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Official Time: 1:39.87 (1600m, Track Record: 1:35.21)
Margin of Victory: 5.5 Lengths
Christophe Soumillon, Jockey, ESTIHDAAF (1st)—“When I hit the front, I was quite confident. I know when you have a horse like him, who is a bit lazy, if you can hit the front and relax for a while, it’s hard to catch up. I was very confident (once he hit the front), especially when I saw the favourite turning (for home) four (paths wide). I knew I had a winning chance. When Saeed gets some ideas, he can make things work. He showed more speed today. I told Saeed last time that if I had hit the front, I would have won it, and finally we did it today. It was a better race, and we are all very happy with it.
Saeed bin Suroor, Trainer, ESTIHDAAF (1st)—“If he was more forward, I knew he would improve from last time. I was confident he could run the mile and I knew the dirt would suit him because of his breeding. I told Christophe to be handy with him like he was in the morning and it went well. Last time he came from too far back, but this time I told him to put him (in position). We will see how he comes out after the race and Sheikh Mohammed will make a decision about (the Al Bastakiya and UAE Derby).”
Connor Beasley, Jockey, WALKING THUNDER (2nd)—“He travelled very good there. He quickened up the straight, but just kept on one pace.”
Carlos Lopez, Jockey, RED CACTUS (3rd)—“It was too fast for him. He’s a distance horse who needs more distance. He’s a big horse with big action. I spent half the (time) trying to get him into the race. He hasn’t race too much and he’s very green; he’ll develop after this.”
Pat Cosgrave, Jockey, SPORTING CHANCE (4th)—“He ran good. He just didn’t see the mile out, but he ran a nice race.”
Shane Kelly, Jockey, FINTAS (5th)—“He ran very well. The trip was fine and he can go a longer distance. Hopefully, we will see what the trainer wants to do, but he may be a possible for Super Saturday.”
Pat Dobbs, Jockey, MOSHAHER (6th)—“He jumped slow and didn’t appreciate the kickback. The race was over after a furlong.”
fonte : #DWCCarnival #DubaiWorldCup
