8th-Meydan, AED300,000, Cond., 1-5, NH & SH 3yo, 1400m, 1:25.08, ft.
MA YETAL (c, 3, Flameaway–Delightful Melody, by Tapit), already a 13 3/4-length winner of his debut at Jebel Ali on Dec. 16, continued to progress with an easier-than-it-looked three-quarters-of-a-length victory at Meydan on Friday. Stirred up once the gates flew, the blaze-faced bay raced in between horses as Million Doro (Bolt d'Oro) cut out fractions. The four-for-six Quartier (Uru) (Matterhorn) blew the break and raced several lengths behind the main body of the field. In a good rhythm under Ben Coen throughout the early stages, Ma Yetal gave every indication he was keen to go on, but soon encountered traffic trouble leaving the far turn. Boxed in between Rasas (World Of Trouble) and the rail directly behind the leader 400 metres from the wire, Ma Yetal withstood several brushes by that foe, but did not find racing room until Rasas was unable to keep pace with Million d'Oro, who set sail for the line just over 300 metres out. As soon as Ma Yetal saw daylight, his response was electric, as he bulled his way through, put Million Doro to the sword in a matter of strides and floated home to win easily. The luckless Quartier made eye-catching progress late on and also turned in a strong rally, but had to settle for second, although he was giving the winner nine pounds. “I knew I had the horse under me, but he didn't do much when he was in the lead and it can be quite a scary place when you're alone in front – he had a good look around,” said Coen. “He's a very straightforward horse and a pleasure to have in the stable,” added trainer Michael Costa. “He's got a lot of maturity for a horse his age and I think he'll improve for the step up to a mile.” The winner is a half-brother to GII Woodford S. and GIII Jacques Cartier S. hero Arzak (Not This Time). Delightful Melody's latest is a yearling full-brother to the winner, and she was covered by Girvin last spring. Ma Yetal's second dam is the three-time Grade II winner Bending Strings (American Chance), who was placed thrice at Grade I level in the States. Sales history: $150,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, AED223,200. Click for the ERA chart & video.
O-Sheikh Amed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. B-John C. Oxley (KY). T-Michael Costa.
That was very, very good
and @BenCoen2 turn on the style in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial @mcosta_racing's Flameaway colt is going places in a huge hurry #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/mEoqEaRk5i
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) January 5, 2024
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