Man Of Promise shows plenty of potential in Listed Dubai Sprint

Unexposed four-year-old Man Of Promise made an exciting return to action with a scintillating display in the Listed Dubai Sprint on week three of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 4 February.

The son of Into Mischief, who had been restricted to three previous career starts for Charlie Appleby, showed good speed throughout the six-furlong handicap and led a group of four on the stands’ side as the 14 runners split into two early on.

Man Of Promise held the overall advantage a furlong and a half out and kicked on into a clear lead for William Buick soon afterwards.

Final Song (Frankie Dettori), who also raced towards the stands’ rail, went second approaching the final furlong but the Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly could only get within three lengths of Man Of Promise at the line.

Charlie Appleby said: “Man Of Promise is hopefully a progressive sprinter, although he still has a bit to go. He was well-handicapped tonight but we will have a look at the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday and see how far we can get with him.”

William Buick said: “Man Of Promise is a lovely, neat horse and showed a little bit more speed than I expected today. We had a wing draw in stall 14 and I wasn’t too concerned about anything else happening in the race.

“I couldn’t see myself being where I was so early but he travelled beautifully in front. It was a nice performance and he can only go on from here. I think he has opened a few doors after tonight and we will see where we end up.”