Dhahabi sees course and distance form rewarded at Meydan

Dhahabi backed up the promise of two strong course and distance runs as he made a winning return to action in a 12-furlong turf handicap at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 22 December.

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old put up decent handicap efforts on both his Carnival appearances last season, including finishing a never-nearer fourth at the start of January.

Held up in mid-division by William Buick, Dhahabi made stealthy progress to go fifth as Dubai Future joined Rakeez in front at the top of the straight. Dubai Future went on a furlong and a half out but could not resist the challenge of Dhahabi, who quickened smartly to take up the running just inside the final furlong.

Dhahabi hit the line powerfully to score by two and a quarter lengths, with top-weight Dubai Future narrowly missing out on a place after being passed by Scottish Anthem and New Comedy close home.

William Buick said: “Dhahabi deserved that. It has been a long time since he last won but he very rarely runs a bad race and it’s nice to get him back on track following a layoff. The race panned out quite nicely for him.

“It’s very hard for a horse to run out in Dubai and spend the summer in Europe – not many can do it – so I suspect that connections had one eye on this campaign after he finished off last season here. Hopefully, that approach will be rewarded.”