Sovereign Prince rules in Jumeirah Classic Trial

Sovereign Prince laid down an early marker for the new three-year-old turf programme at this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival with a resolute display in the seven-furlong Jumeirah Classic Trial at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 14 January.

The son of Dubawi, who rounded off his juvenile campaign in the UK with a nursery handicap success at Epsom Downs, soon disputed second on the inside of Razeen Dubai as Hotline Bling led the eight-strong field.

Sovereign Prince travelled strongly turning in and quickened up the inner rail under William Buick to take up the running a furlong and a half out.

The Charlie Appleby-trained runner opened up a two-length lead with half a furlong left and had enough in reserve to see off the late rally of Sed Maarib and score by half a length.

Charlie Appleby said: “Sovereign Prince was a consistent little horse during his two-year-old season. He doesn’t quite have the profile of some of the three-year-olds we have brought out in previous years but we knew he was fit and the race worked out perfectly.

“They went a good gallop and William had him in the box seat. The way the leader peeled off and allowed William to get up the inside was probably a race-winning move and he is a game horse. It’s a great series to have for the three-year-olds and this has opened up a few doors.”

William Buick said: “It was a perfect race for Sovereign Prince and the conditions were in his favour. He is very game and honest, so you can’t ask for much more.”