3 minute read
A classy renewal of the Dubai Challenge Stakes is in prospect at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse on Friday, 9th October after 41 entries were received for this seven furlong Group 2 event.
A 50 per cent boost in prize money – up to £150,000 – has been rewarded as no less than 26 of the entrants have already been successful in Pattern company, including two at Group 1 level and another nine at Group 2 level.
The race also has a strong overseas flavour as both the crack German sprinter, Shining Emerald, and one of the best horses in Scandinavia – the Norwegian-trained dual Group 3 Polar Cup hero, Ragazzo – are among the potential combatants alongside seven horses from across the Irish Sea.
The British challenge is led by a trio of top three-year-olds: Adaay, already twice successful at this Group 2 level; Limato, runner-up in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; and last year’s Champion Two-Year-Old, Belardo.
Shining Emerald began his career in Ireland but has really thrived since joining his current handler, Andreas Wohler. He enjoyed his biggest success at Baden-Baden last month when landing the most prestigious sprint on the German calendar, the six furlong Group 2 Goldene Peitsche.
“There is a good chance that Shining Emerald will run in the Dubai Challenge Stakes provided there is some cut in the ground as he does not like it too fast,” sais Andreas Wohler.
“He has come out of his Goldene Peitsche win really well and has been bucking and kicking at home.”
“I don’t think that the step up to seven furlongs will bother him and it would be great if he could become my first winner on the Rowley Mile as the racing there is always extremely competitive.”
