In his best performance since arriving in the United Arab Emirates, the son of Asiatic Boy finished one length behind Fort Payne and now holds a strong chance of targeting the Godolphin Mile (G2)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for TDN).- Oasis Boy had been waiting for a performance like the one he delivered on Saturday in the Burj Nahar (G3, 1600m, dirt), part of Super Saturday at Meydan, a race that left him on the brink of securing a spot in next month's Godolphin Mile (G2).
The talented colt who dominated the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2) at Palermo in 2023 had yet to make an appearance in the UAE, but this time, he finally showed glimpses of that ability, finishing a game second, just one length behind Fort Payne (Río de la Plata) after taking command in the stretch despite breaking from the tough rail draw.
Last season had been a struggle, and even in this Carnival, apart from an initial conditional victory, things had not come easy. However, in his previous outing, despite breaking from post 16, he had given signs of encouragement—signs that materialized this time around.
Sporting the colors of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, the same silks carried to great success here by his sire Asiatic Boy (Not for Sale) and Honour Devil (Honour and Glory)—both winners of the UAE Derby (G2), with the former completing the local Triple Crown—Oasis Boy was forced to engage early and settled in fifth along the rail, taking a significant amount of kickback.
Connor Beasley never gave up on him, keeping him engaged and within striking distance of the leaders, waiting for the straight and an opening to make his move. As they hit the final furlong, Oasis Boy surged to the front with authority, looking like the winner—until Fort Payne loomed late, wearing him down in the final strides to take the victory in 1:36.89, with Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), last year's UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) hero, finishing third, another 3 1/2 lengths back.
Fort Payne had just one prior start on dirt, finishing sixth behind Hypothetical (Lope de Vega) in this year’s Firebreak Stakes (G3), and had been struggling to find his best form. His sire, Río de la Plata (Rahy), was France’s Champion 2-Year-Old for Godolphin, while his dam, the Argentine-bred Express Way (Ahmad), also produced G1 winner El Expresivo (Candy Stripes).
Now, all signs point to Fort Payne and Oasis Boy meeting again in the Godolphin Mile (G2) on Dubai World Cup (G1) day.
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