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Al Chammy (FR) and Pat Dobbs DIAR at Newbury 29th July International Stakes, 6f Newbury, June 14 It was a case of history repeating itself as the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s colours were carried to victory in the first of the Dubai International Arabian Races prep series, run this afternoon at Newbury. The six furlong sprint is the preparatory race for the Za’abeel International Stakes, Gr1PA, won on three occasions by Al Mouhannad, a full sister to Al Chammy, who also raced in the Royal Cavalry’s colours. Though the stalls were on the far side, the field of eight progressed towards the centre of the course, with the pace set by Furry and Dayversson De Barros, having his first start of year and also his first in blinkers. However lack of match practice certainly didn’t help his cause as Furry faded in the final furlong, though even fully fit he would have surely been eclipsed by Al Chammy. Ridden again by Pat Dobbs, the four-year-old son of Nizam made smooth headway to take the lead on the
stands rail as they entered the final furlong, drawing six lengths clear of the only other four-year-old, Anfaas. Tadhg O’Shea gave the filly every chance, but she lacked the pace of the winner, gamely keeping Zayin Angkor Centurion at bay by a neck. Commenting on the improvement from the pair’s last outing in the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) at Windsor, which was also sponsored by the Royal Cavalry, Dobbs said: “He didn’t turn very well around the bends at Windsor, but the blinkers sharpened him up a lot. It made a big difference. I’m sure he’d do well on Dubai Day, he loves fast ground, so that would be a massive help to him.” Trainer Said Al Badi was pleased saying: “We tried him over longer trips, at a mile and also on Dirt and he ran ok, but last time at Windsor, Pat said he definitely needs blinkers and he travelled well today. This is a trial for the Za’abeel on Dubai Day and we think we will run there next.”
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
