Vague impresses in Dubai trial
Vague underlined her Classic claims with an impressive performance in the Mustaqbali Cup on the second night of the Dubai International Racing Carnival at Nad Al Sheba.
The Jeremy Noseda-trained three-year-old was runner-up in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot last year but the daughter of Elusive Quality was having her first start on dirt in the seven-furlong event.
Mick Kinane, landing the first leg of a treble, was never far off the pace and once Vague kicked clear two furlongs out, the result was never in doubt.
Noseda’s assistant, Dave Bradley, said: “The UAE 1000 Guineas is definitely on the agenda. We rode her prominently as you are never sure about the kickback and she was idling in front.
“She has done it well but we knew she was in good form as her work had been solid. We will see about the UAE Oaks after the Guineas.”
Kinane’s three-timer was highlighted by the easy success of Brazilian-trained Heart Alone in the Group Three Najah Al Shindagha Sprint over six furlongs on the dirt.
Kinane said: “That was impressive. He breezed really well on Monday night and the Brazilian Group One form is very good.
“Some of the times he has posted were very impressive and he will run in the big sprints for the rest of the Carnival.”
His trainer Antonio Cintra Pereira added: “We always knew he was good and the big sprint on World Cup night is his target. He will have at least one more start before then.”
Kinane also landed the Shahrazade Trophy over seven furlongs on Macau raider Happy Pearl.
Mick Channon was also in double form as Compton’s Eleven, a Carnival winner last year, and Obe Gold both obliged.
Given a confident ride by Ted Durcan, Compton’s Eleven was produced to challenge two furlongs out in the Zawaj Stakes and had enough left to hold the late challenge of Ireland’s Slip Dance.
Durcan said: “He has been working very well but we were worried being drawn so wide. The race panned out perfectly though and he has done it well.”
Obe Gold followed up in the Aman Trophy, with Ryan Moore producing his mount wide to take up the lead in the final furlong.
Moore said: “We were hopeful as he had been working well. We were well drawn and just needed a bit of luck. Everything went smoothly.”
Germany registered their first Carnival winner when the Peter Schiergen-trained Encinas was given a good ride by William Mongil to lift the Tasaheel Cup over 12 furlongs on the grass.
Kerrin McEvoy, wearing the colours of Princess Haya, landed the opening Tam-Wheel Plate on Ismail Mohammed’s Dubai Dreamer.
The son of Stephen Got Even cost €3.1m as a juvenile and was winning at the fourth attempt.
