Godolphin One-Two In Meydan Classic

Pure Diamond showed a very good turn of foot to triumph easily in the Listed seven-furlong Meydan Classic Sponsored By Skywards on turf to beat another Godolphin runner, Comicas, at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, March 3.

The three-year-old Street Cry filly, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Harry Bentley, was slow into stride before being ridden to settle in sixth of the nine runners on the inside.

Pure Diamond was switched out to challenge between rivals with a quarter-mile to race and ran on very strongly to hit the front with over a furlong to race.

Winning in 1m 23.55s, she put four and half lengths between herself and the second Comicas (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), who raced keenly in fifth and kept on well in the straight without ever getting to the winner.

Saeed bin Suroor declared: "I have always liked this filly and that is why we named her Pure Diamond. I think she was unlucky in the trial for this race because she was too far back.

"She needs a mile or further and I told Harry Bentley to keep her handy and close tonight to make things easy over seven furlongs.

"She has a good turn of foot and can go on both turf and dirt.

"We will talk to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed regarding her future plans, but we could go for the UAE Derby or take her back to Europe for a Classic trial such as the Musidora Stakes (G3, 10f, York, May 11)."

Harry Bentley added: "Pure Diamond gave me a great feel. I have ridden her out for the last couple of mornings and I know that the lads who usually ride her out say that she has been going great.

"She was unlucky in running last time but has a serious turn of foot. A mile is no problem for her and it was all about getting out of the stalls today as she has been a little bit slow from the gates recently.

"When I saw the gap, I had to go and commit for it because I didn't want to be unlucky like last time.

"She couldn't have done a lot more to impress me today. She has a deadly turn of foot and was always going forward at the line, so I am sure there is a bit more to come as well."

The trainer enjoyed a third success on March 3 with American Hope in the seven-furlong Emirates Holidays Handicap on turf.

The five-year-old, with James Doyle up, raced in third initially and then sixth of the 14-strong field.

American Hope was asked to make his move in the straight and went third with a furlong to race before taking the lead in the closing stages to score by a length from Championship in 1m 23.50s.

Saeed bin Suroor reflected: "American Hope is improving and I was happy with the way he finished his race.

"It is very pleasing to have three winners tonight."

James Doyle explained: "Testament to the whole team, as American Hope has not been easy. The guys at home have done a wonderful job with him.

"I got a beautiful, smooth run tonight. He settled nicely and they went a fast pace. He was a bit fresh on the dirt first time out and also a tad keen the second time he ran this year.

"He was good tonight and it seems to suit him racing on the turf. We should have some fun with him.

"Once he got out, he took a bit of time to pick up. I am not sure whether he is best suited by seven furlongs or a mile. It has always been in my mind that a mile might be his best trip. He pricked his ears once he got there tonight.

"He ran some good races at Ascot in the past but seemed to enjoy being on the turn tonight. He can be a bit headstrong and I think a turning tracked helped him."