You are here

Al Quoz Sprint Repeat Bid By Ahtoug

Ahtoug is out to put up another bold showing in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint Empowered By IPIC at Meydan, UAE on Dubai World Cup night, Saturday, March 28.

Time/Date - 18.30hrs local time/Saturday, March 28, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Meydan/UAE
Surface/Distance - Turf/5f

Ahtoug is out to put up another bold showing in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint Empowered By IPIC at Meydan, UAE on Dubai World Cup night, Saturday, March 28.

The Charlie Appleby-trained seven-year-old was second, beaten a neck by Amber Sky, in the 2014 renewal of the five-furlong sprint on turf.

He also filled the runner-up spot over the same course and distance on his latest start, when going down by a short-head to Sir Maximilian in the Group Three Meydan Sprint Sponsored By Arabian Adventures on March 7.

Ahtoug has twice been successful in five-furlong turf handicaps at Meydan, most recently when getting up on the line to beat Lancelot Du Lac by a head on January 29, and was a close fifth behind Sole Power in the Group One King's Stand Stakes over the same trip at Royal Ascot in June.

Charlie Appleby commented: "I was pleased with his 13 draw as I am always happier to be near the stands' side in sprints at Meydan. He has been at his most competitive up that side.

"More importantly, I think we have got plenty of speed around us too.

"I have been pleased with his preparation. He is fresh and well and came out of his last run in very good order.

"Ahtoug got touched off in this race last year and has been ultra-consistent again in 2015.

"He seems to be going into the Al Quoz Sprint in good form which is excellent news."

William Buick added: "Charlie and the team are very happy with Ahtoug. He has done nothing wrong this year out here in Dubai.

"He has improved with every start and he should be absolutely primed for Dubai World Cup night. He has a nice draw and the horses around him should take him into the race.

"He was just touched off in this race last year and on Super Saturday. The margins are very small in these sprints. I think I have a good partner and I am looking for a big run from him."

Ahtoug opposes 15 rivals including Hong Kong sprinters Peniaphobia and Bundle Of Joy, plus Sole Power, Sir Maximilian and Lancelot Du Lac.

Ahtoug winning at Meydan
Ahtoug winning at Meydan © Erika Rasmussen