Rhythm on song in Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Rare Rhythm made an impressive return to action when victorious in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy over a mile and six furlongs on turf at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 1 March.

The lightly-raced six-year-old, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, was having his first start since capturing a 14-furlong Listed race at York, UK, in July.

The son of Dubawi broke on terms from an inside draw and settled in sixth of the 11 runners on the outside. 

Buick brought Rare Rhythm widest of all as the bunched field straightened for home, while Vazirabad had a charmed run up the inside. Rare Rhythm quickened smartly to take the advantage with a furlong and a half to race. 

Vazirabad tried to respond but had no answer as Rare Rhythm stayed on strongly to score by a length and a three quarters in 2m 54.88s, the pair well clear.

Charlie Appleby commented: “We were very happy with the way Rare Rhythm had been training and I thought that he looked a picture in the paddock. 

“He is a horse who hasn’t got much mileage on the clock and his win at Royal Ascot last season didn’t surprise us because we always thought that he had a good level of ability. 

“Then he backed it up with his Listed win at York over a mile and six furlongs, so he ticked a lot of boxes coming into today in terms of trip and conditions to suit, while he had been training very well. 

“Rare Rhythm has a turn of foot – he is handy over a mile and a half, but has seen this trip out well. He has travelled round there for fun and you can’t fail to be impressed with what he has done. 

“I have spoken to Sheikh Mohammed and we have decided to stay here and go for the Dubai Gold Cup (G2, 2m, turf)  on Dubai World Cup Night (March 31). 

“We did have Sydney on the radar but after a performance like that, I think we are better off staying where we are.

“William said that he gets into such a nice rhythm – Rare Rhythm switched off and then had a gear change – and I think that he should see the extra two furlongs out.”

William Buick said: “I got an uninterrupted run through and when I asked him for an effort my horse really picked up well.

“He was well on top at the end. It was a good Dubai Gold Cup trial for us and Vazirabad. 

“We hope he will get the Dubai Gold Cup trip of two miles. He had the class to win a Duke Of Edinburgh from gate 19 at Royal Ascot over a mile and a half.

“He has a lovely nature as well.”