Racing at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Monday was highlighted by the concluding 2400m handicap, the only Thoroughbred race on the card and Celestial Spheres, a course and distance winner on his previous outing five weeks ago, followed up somewhat cosily.
Partnered on this occasion by Pat Cosgrave, having been ridden to that previous victory by apprentice Gary Sanchez, the 9yo gelded son of Redoute's Choiice is owned by Millennium Stables, the Meydan base from which his handler, Ismail Mohammed, trains.
Committed for home fully 600m out, Cosgrave's mount soon had his six rivals in trouble and clearly relishes these conditions.
Cosgrave said: "He did that nicely and is a decent enough stayer in his grade. Conditions clearly suit him and he can perhaps win again in a similar race."
The best of the Purebred Arabian action, a 1600m handicap, developed into a duel throughout the duration of the straight Jap Almahfuz , who hit the front 600m out, responding gamely to the urgings of Royston Ffrench to hold off the persistent challenge of AF Majalis.
Saddled by Irfan Ellahi for Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the homebred 6yo entire was winning for the fourth time, all at Abu Dhabi and third this campaign during what has been a busy season.
Ffrench said: "Both horses deserve a lot of credit and have run very well. Luckily my fellow is very tough and consistent so I knew I had the right horse for a battle."
A 1400m handicap for horses in private ownership was won stylishly by Af Musannef , representing the Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, Ernst Oertel and Tadhg O'Shea team always feared but particularly so in these races.
The Champion Jockey always looked in control on the 6yo homebred entire, the pair soon stalking the leaders but always travelling particularly strongly. Turning for home, O'Shea asked for an effort, the response was immediate and the race was over, the horse registering a fourth career success.
O'Shea said: "I was drawn in 16 but we found a lovely trip throughout and it sounded like there was a fair few traffic problems in behind so what looked a bad draw turned out a good one."
Originally first reserve, Bshara took full advantage of the opportunity once presented in the opening 1200m maiden, powering clear in the straight under Richard Mullen, sporting the silks of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for Salem Al Ketbi.
A pleasing fourth on her debut in a 1400m Abu Dhabi maiden five weeks ago, the homebred 4yo filly had clearly progressed for the experience and, having chased the early speed, settled matters in a few strides when asked to win her race.
Mullen said: "I was hoping she would get a chance as a reserve because I was delighted with her first run and knew she had improved. I am just glad she had the opportunity and she is a nice filly looking forward."
It was hard work but Antonio Fresu managed to snatch a 1600m maiden, producing Salem Ali Murshed Al Marar's Af Mualami to lead in the final strides for Abubakar Daud.
Fresu's mount, a 4yo colt having just his seventh start, arrived with a lofty official rating of 101 after some good efforts when placed in better races than this.
Fresu said: "I was very pleased to get this ride as he had the best form coming into the race but he was lazy early in the straight before finally picking up when it mattered."
Adrie de Vries always appeared confident aboard Hawafez in the following 1600m handicap for horses foaled in the UAE, completing rapid doubles for Daud and Al Marar.
A 9yo entire, registering his fifth career success, all at Abu Dhabi but first over this far, he carried De Vries into contention entering the home turn and when the Dutchman pressed the button inside the final 200m they were never going to be denied.
De Vries said: "He has travelled really well throughout but he can be tricky and I did not want to hit the front too soon but everything worked out perfectly."
