City Walk shows plenty of dash to capture Meydan sprint

City Walk took advantage of a drop in class to edge out Open Mind as the Saeed bin Suroor-trained duo fought out the finish to a six-furlong turf handicap at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 17 February.

Six-year-old City Walk, who had contested Listed sprints on both his previous starts this year, was quickly into his stride and soon led the main bunch of runners that made a beeline towards the stands’ side, with six electing to come up the far rail.

Nothing separated the two groups entering the final quarter-mile, with City Walk taking the overall advantage with just over a furlong to race.

The son of Brazen Beau was pressed on both sides by Open Mind and Ventura Rebel but stayed on bravely under Danny Tudhope to prevail by a neck over his stable-mate.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Both City Walk and Open Mind had a nice position in the race. I told the jockeys that they have to be handy over the six furlongs here. “Danny looked after City Walk and gave him a good ride. The horse shows plenty of speed in the mornings and being in the right position won him the race.”

Danny Tudhope added: “The runners have been coming over to the stands’ rail throughout the Carnival – and they have all been winning on this side, so I thought I would edge over.

“City Walk broke well and relaxed in front. I was able to get a breather in and then kick. To be fair, when I saw Open Mind come upsides me, I thought he might outstay me, but City Walk stuck his neck out.”