Bankable flew down the center of the course to capture the $200,000 Mahab Al Shimaal Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-III) by one length over Conveyance at Meydan Racecourse March 3. The race serves as a key prep for the six-furlong Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) that will be run on March 26.
Handled patiently by Ryan Moore, Bankable was off a step slowly and was deliberately held up at the back of the pack as Conveyance broke alertly under Richard Mullen and went straight to the front. He was tracked closely by Force Freeze and Alazeyab through the early stages, as Moore was content to let Bankable trail the field.
Conveyance, making his Dubai debut for new trainer Satish Seemar, continued to lead the way as the field entered the far turn. Hot on his heels was Force Freeze as Alazeyab began to fade. Bankable made smooth progress on the leaders on the turn, splitting between horses before moving to the outside as they hit the top of the stretch.
Once in the clear Moore pushed the button and the response was immediate, as the son of Medicean rolled past Conveyance in the final 100 yards to win easily. Conveyance stubbornly held second by a half-length over Force Freeze, with Rileyskeepingfaith just getting up for fourth.
Final time for the six furlongs was 1:11.52 over the Tapeta surface.
The victory by the 7-year-old Bankable marked his eighth win from 22 lifetime starts. The $120,000 winner’s share of the purse increased his total earnings to $2,116,899. Trained by Herman Brown for owner Ramzan Kadyrov, Bankable was bred in Ireland by Barronstown Stud and Cobra. He is out of the Sadler's Wells mare, Dance to the Top.
Reem Rolls to Victory in Al Bastakiya
Reem found facing colts much easier than facing her fellow fillies as she rolled to a convincing 5 1/4 length victory in the listed $250,000 Al Bastakiya Sponsored by Emirates Airlines. The 1 3/16-mile contest, which is the second leg of the UAE Triple Crown, was the first stakes race run on the Super Thursday program at Meydan March 3.
After chasing home stablemates River Jetez and Mahbooba in her past two starts--the Balanchine Stakes (UAE-IIT) and listed UAE 1000 Guineas, respectively--Reem was sent off as the heavy favorite in the field of 10. The chestnut daughter of Galileo tracked the early pace set by Sonoran Sands, passing that rival at the top of the stretch and drawing off to an easy win under jockey Kevin Shea.
Ahlaain, who broke in the air at the start and spotted the field several lengths, made up plenty of ground late in the race but had to settle for second. Borug finished third, another 4 1/4 lengths farther back.
Final time for the 1 3/16 miles was 1:59.90 over the Tapeta main track.
Trainer Mike de Kock once again appears to have a loaded hand going into the UAE Derby (UAE-II) on March 26, with at least three possible runners--Reem, Mahbooba, and Zanzamar--likely to go.
Reem is a 4-year-old filly by Galileo out of Al Afreet, by Danehill. She was bred in Australia by her owner, Sheik Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum.
Bankable and Ryan Moore take the Mahab Al Shimaal.
Andrew Watkins