Arabian
Racing Review
Newmarket 8th July
by Paul Simmons
The
Abu Dhabi International Stakes Group 2 over 1 Mile:
They quickly broke over the bunbury mile with Shuhood
making rapid progress to the head of affairs setting a decent
pace with Noble Athlete and Skan Skan chasing in behind, whilst
odds on favourite Fryvolous and El Rigoletto were covered up in
their slip stream. As they reached the half way stage all were
travelling well ahead of the rest of the field. At the two furlong
marker Shuhood was joined by Noble Athlete and these two tough
handicappers started duelling for the lead, but Fryvolous soon
set about his business chased by El Rigoletto and these two swept
clear inside the final furlong with the awesome Fryvolous (Dormane
x Fryga) kicking clear inside the final half furlong to win in
the style of a true champion. He is entered in the G1 Dubai Stakes
and the UK are in for a real treat this year as this G1 Kahayala
Classic winner takes on last years winner No Risk Al Maury and
G1 powerhouse Al Dahma. El Rigoletto (Kesberoy x Johalina) ran
well back in second, he was well clear of the others and showed
a useful turn of foot to challenge in the closing stages but had
no chance of passing the impressive winner. Whilst Noble Athlete
(Dorwan Du Cayrou x Noble Dame) is in superb form this season,
a winner of his last two starts and now placed in Group class
he is clearly still improving but had to work hard to keep hold
of third ahead of long time pace setter and smart performer Shuhood
(Bengali D’Albret x Shunah), who lost nothing in defeat
and remains impressive and versatile.