RACING/Curragh report: The Curragh to Dubai is a long way for some feel-good factor to travel but Dubawi managed it with a scintillating display in winning yesterday's Group One Dunnes Stores National Stakes.
Sheikh Mohammed wasn't present to watch the unbeaten son of Dubai Millenium destroy the opposition by three lengths but the Godolphin team who did travel could barely contain their excitement. "Absolutely magical . . . a top-notch classic prospect," beamed the stable spokesman Simon Crisford while jockey Frankie Dettori added: "He has all the qualities you want in a top horse."
The bookmakers took the hint and slashed Dubawi to clear Derby favouritism with Ladbrokes going as low as 10 to 1 for Epsom 2005. Sinndar (1999) managed the National Stakes-Derby double and yesterday's display from Dubawi was enough to suggest he can emulate some of the recent race winners as a three-year-old.
Dettori sat the €30,000 supplementary entry just off the pace-forcing Russian Blue but Dubawi wasn't hard pressed to hit the front outside the distance and stride clear from the staying on Berenson. One slight concern might have been a jink to the right on taking it up but Dettori explained: "He likes a bit of company and he was asking 'what do I do now'? He's very straightforward and likes a scrap. He also has a very powerful action like his dad. His progress in the last three months has been phenomenal and he's a great prospect for next year."
Dubawi's time was impressive but Crisford explained he is unlikely to run again this year. "That was Sheikh Mohammed's view before this and I think he has done enough," he said. "He has the speed to win at seven furlongs and he will get a mile and a half standing on his head. It looks like Dubai Millenium's brilliance lives on."
The Group Two National Stud Blandford Stakes was also won by a cross-channel raider but the 12 to 1 Monturani wasn't the one that most punters picked out. Nevertheless, off a strong pace, she completed a good weekend's work for jockey Ted Durcan by holding off Kinnaird by half a length with All Too Beautiful just behind. "A good pace is what she wants because she doesn't quicken," said trainer Geoff Wragg who will choose between a Group One in Italy and the Prix de Royallieu on Arc weekend next.
Aidan O'Brien and Jamie Spencer were out of luck in the Group races but both Listed contests were a different story, Troubador making all in the Solonaway and Ad Volerem making it two from two in the Belenheim Stakes.
"He's a possible for the Middle Park," said O'Brien whose team for Ascot this weekend will include Ace (QEII), Mona Lisa (Fillies Mile) and Scandinavia (Royal Lodge Stakes.)
Local trainer Eamon Tyrrell secured the most valuable success of his career as Slip Dance picked up the €107,000 first prize for the Foal Levy Stakes. John Egan's mount was two lengths too good for All Night Dancer with the favourite Tournedos only fifth.
