Photo: Race Images
Taking a timely step towards the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), Dubai Gold (3 f Pride Of Dubai – World Of Gold, by High Chaparral) won the $25,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1600 metres (eligible $26,000 bonuses) on 12 February at Te Aroha.
Dubai Gold had received an economical trip when finishing strongly for second in the Maiden 1600 metres on 31 January at Te Rapa, and rated a top three chance with luck from a wide draw (13).
Ridden by Michael McNab, who was also aboard last time, luck came in the shape of receiving cover three-wide from the 1000m and after continually inching closer she rounded the home turn within striking distance and asserted her dominance when quickening to lead at the 300m.
Never flinching on her run, she had a comfortable half-length margin to spare at the line, and shortened in betting from an earlier $6.00 fixed odds quote to pay $3.30 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote.
A filly with plenty of room at the front end, Dubai Gold ran 1600 metres in 1:37.5, last 600 in 34 (approx.), on footing upgraded earlier in the day to Good3.
“I got on her last time and she looked as though she’d been running well without much luck,” McNab said.
“We had good luck last time and she ran well for second, and we got a nice enough run from the (wide) draw today, and she did the rest.
“I don’t see why she couldn’t progress towards the Oaks. She’ll obviously step to 2000 metres next start and that will give you a feel, a pointer, but I wouldn’t see why not.
“She seems to be improving each time I get on her, so hopefully she improves again.”
The win provided Ballymore Stables trainer Pam Gerard with her fourth win inside a week, including two stakes’ victories: Reputation (Iffraaj) in the Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Listed, 1600m) and Harlech (Darci Brahma) in the Hazlett Stakes (Listed, 1400m), while Jade Dragon (Time Test) obliged in race one on the card at Te Aroha.
In the same timeframe, the stable also presented Lingjun Xiongfeng (The Factor) to run fastest last 600m (34.3) on the day for second at Tauranga, and Savaglee (Savaglee) finished third in the hotly contested BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Te Rapa.
“She’s a filly that I’ve noticed since her last start just how much more confidence she’s got,” said Gerard, after the win by Dubai Gold.
“She was a bit ante and a bit hot and sweaty in her previous runs, but since that last run she came out of it full of confidence.
“She’s a filly going in the right direction and I’m pleased to get the monkey of the back with her. We can now concentrate on the Oaks.
“The draw (13) was a tricky one, but probably the right one for her, because she’s not a big fan of being in amongst horses. And from the outside draws it gives her a chance to settle back and she’s happy three-wide, or wherever she is, as long as she has the last run at them.”
In preparation for the $1m Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), Gerard suggested Dubai Gold could contest either the $40,000 Rating 65 2000 metres on Saturday 1 March at Matamata, $150,000 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) on Sunday 2 March at Trentham, or the $250,000 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sunline Vase (Gr. 3, 2100m) on Saturday 8 March at Ellerslie.
Breaking through after four top four finishes to win at her seventh start, Dubai Gold has put her hand up at the right time of the season for staying races against her own age and sex.
Owned by Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd, Ballymore Racing NZ Ltd, W Campbell, Keryn Corrigan, Dame Sian Elias & Hugh Fletcher, Dennis Ryan, Alan Schmedje & Dubai Gold Syndicate, she was purchased for $110,000, from the draft of Landsdowne Park, at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock, Catherine Bruggeman, and Ballymore Stables.
In the corner of Dubai Gold appreciating more distance, her sire, Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry), has produced Dubai Honour, Joint Champion Older Horse in Australia, with eight wins from 1650m – 2400m, and reigning Australian Horse of the Year Pride Of Jenni, winner of eight races from 1200m – 2000m.
Whether she races over staying distances long-term is yet to be determined, but, as a rule, doing so as a three-year-old often provides the best chance.
Carrying the Fletcher tartan of part-owners Dame Sian Elias & Hugh Fletcher, whose colours also adorn Harlech, Dubai Gold capped a memorable day for Dubai Gold Syndicate manager Neil Bartosh.
Jade Dragon winning earlier on the card provided the 49th victory for syndicates he manages, while Dubai Gold brought up 50.
“We’ve got a good number of members here, today, and I look after a group from the RSA in Morrinsville,” Bartosh said.
“Some of them probably just had their first winner, while some have had a lot.
“Special thank you to Pam and the team at Ballymore Stables, as she’s probably given me half of the winner’s we’ve had, so we’re very grateful.
“It’s been a good day and fingers crossed for Dubai Gold, going forward.”
Dubai Gold was strapped by Joe Nishizuka.