Soft Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was anything but subtle when delivering a seven-length tour-de-force in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas at Meydan on Thursday night.
Forwardly placed from the bell, the heavy favourite charged straight to the head of affairs and dueled with Heshmah (Kitten's Joy) who passed her leaving the chute. Poised in second, the filly always appeared full of run and reinsman Frankie Dettori was practically motionless as Soft Whisper ranged alongside Heshmah with less than 600 metres remaining. It was only a matter of how far from there, with the relative of European highweight Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) running up a double-digit advantage by mid-stretch. Mnasek (Empire Maker), who completely blew the break, made up some late ground and cut into the margin at the line.
Winning the 1000 Guineas for the fourth time this century, Dettori said, “I am not sure how good the race was, but we could have won by twice as far and she could not have been more impressive. She seems to love that dirt surface and now has loads of options. Saeed and his team are talking about Saudi Derby, UAE Derby, UAE Oaks and all those type of races.”
Added trainer Saeed bin Suroor who was winning his 12th edition, “She gave me confidence when she won the last time. The filly has been improving all the time and this trip was much better for her, even nine furlongs in the future would be no problem for her. I talked to Frankie just now and he was happy at the way she finished the race. We will talk to Sheikh Mohammed and he will make a decision.
“She is a big and strong filly. She is a filly for the future. I have a lot of confidence for her future. We have entered her in the Kentucky Oaks also the European Classic Races. She is a top class filly, but the Classic races are hard to win and we're hoping for the best. ”
Second in a pair of novice races in July and August in the UK, the bay has now won four in a row, beginning with two nursury handicaps at Salisbury on Aug. 21 and Pontefract on Sept. 24. She also added a win in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial by 2 1/2 lengths on Jan. 7.
The third foal from her winning dam, Soft Whisper is followed by a Shamardal juvenile filly. Placidia is a half-sister to French highweight Policy Maker (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), group winners Pushkin (Ire) (Caerleon) and Place Rouge (Ire) (Desert King {Ire}), and the dam of G1 Prix Ganay winner Planteur (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). The latter's dam is already the granddam of the aforementioned Persian King. Click for the Racing Post result. VIDEO.
Thursday's Results:
UAE 1000 GUINEAS PRESENTED BY LONGINES-Listed, $125,000, Meydan, 1-28, 3yo, f, 8f, 1:38.67, fs.
1–SOFT WHISPER (IRE), 126, f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire)
1st Dam: Placidia (Ire), by Sea the Stars (Ire)
2nd Dam: Palmeraie, by Lear Fan
3rd Dam: Petroleuse (Ire), by Habitat
1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin; T-Saeed bin Suroor;
J-Frankie Dettori. $75,000. Lifetime Record: 6-4-2-0, $120,779.
2–Mnasek, 126, f, 3, Empire Maker–Washington Bridge, by
Yankee Gentleman. ($27,000 RNA Ylg '19 KEEJAN; $28,000 Ylg
'19 KEESEP; $15,000 2yo '20 FTIJUN). O-Al Rashid Stables LLC;
B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Doug Watson. $25,000.
3–Super Chianti, 126, f, 3, Super Saver–Tuscan Chianti, by
Roman Ruler. O/B-Charles E Fipke (KY); T-Doug Watson.
$12,500.
Margins: 7, 2 1/4, NK.
Also Ran: Khatun (GB), Nayefah, Heshmah, Revolutme (Ire).
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