Awzaan remained undefeated with an impressive victory in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes (Eng-I) at Newmarket Oct. 2.
Racing just off the quick pace set by Poet’s Voice, Awzaan took a narrow lead just inside the final quarter mile. It appeared that the 2-year-old son of Alhaarth would win easily, but he began to drift to the left under Richard Hills, across the path on the late-charging Radiohead and Showcasing.
Under left-handed urging, Hills managed to straighten Awzaan, and the pair comfortably held off Radiohead to win by three-quarters of a length. Showcasing ran on well for third, just a neck further back.
Final time for the six furlongs was 1:10.11.
Hills, who later was brought before the stewards and handed a one day suspension for careless riding, told reporters, “He tended to go slightly left at the end, but it didn't really matter. His ears were pricked and he was enjoying himself.”
Trained by Mark Johnston, Awzaan races as a homebred for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum. Bred in England by Shadwell Estate, Awzaan is out of the winning Zafonic mare, Nufoos.