KAPIL produced his stunning turn of foot to win at the second time of asking at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai on Thursday night.
The son of Jallad, held up for a late run by Weichong Marwing, kicked clear handsomely to capture the $US175 000 Ford Zabeel Mile over 1600m on turf for owners Mike Fullard, Butch Watson-Smith and James Drew.
Kapil, under top weight, won by 3,75 lengths from Lord Admiral and Great Rhythm and Mike de Kock was overjoyed. “Kapil really impressed me,’’ he said. “He has been showing superb work and produced it tonight. What excites me is that he will improve even more in the next few weeks and I am delighted for his group of staunch owners.’’
Kapil (Weichong Marwing) outclassed his rivals in the Ford Zabeel to the delight of part-owners James Drew and Mike Fuller. (Andrew Watkins).
Kapil looks almost certain now to crack an invitation to the $5 million Dubai Duty Free over 1777m on Dubai World Cup night in which De Kock will hold a strong hand.
Bennie Blue, a consistent place-getter during the 2007 Dubai Carnival, picked a good night to win his first race in the UAE, as the Jaguar Cup over 2000m on dirt was worth $175 000. He led virtually from pillar to post under a typically powerful and well-judged ride from the mercurial Marwing.
“This was success well deserved. Bennie Blue has taken to dirt and has joined his full-brother Limehouse as a winner this term. I am sure Chesty Wolfaardt must be sticking his neck out!’’ said De Kock.
Wolfaardt owns Wilgerbosdrift-bred Bennie Blue in partnership with Mike Destombes and Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and this is one horse he has always had a soft spot for.
The other De Kock runners also performed admirably. Drayton just needed his 1200m run after a layoff and will now be aimed at the Newmarket Guineas in May. Diamond Quest turned in another terrific effort finishing second to India’s champion racehorse, Mystical in the Maserati Cup over 2000m and Candy Critic gave her all for a narrow defeat over 2400m.
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The form of South African runners once again held up well when Herman Brown and Kevin Shea won the $US175 000 Ferrari Cup over 2000m with smart Sushisan.
