In the final meeting of the season, the second most important racecourse in the United Arab Emirates delivered positive results
JEBEL ALI, UAE (Special for Turf Diario). – Following a series of strong efforts by South American runners at Meydan on Friday, the trend continued on Sunday at Jebel Ali, where several delivered noteworthy performances to close out a season that brought fewer highlights than anticipated.
With a strong crowd in attendance, celebrating Ramadan, and a competitive racing program, the day belonged to Ray Dawson, who dominated the card by winning five of the seven races, including the Jebel Ali Stakes (L, 1950m, dirt)—the day’s marquee event.
In four of those victories, Dawson teamed up with Australian trainer Michael Costa and Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a trio that wrapped up the season in spectacular fashion.
The Jebel Ali Stakes trophy went to Saadaty (Munnings), who built on his runner-up effort in the Jebel Ali Mile (G3)to score by three lengths over Rawy (Frosted), with The Camden Colt (Footstepsinthesand) finishing another half-length back in third.
Among the South American representatives, Brazilian-bred Devassa (Alcorano), undefeated at Maroñas, delivered a somewhat disappointing performance, finishing fourth and 13 1/2 lengths behind Arryaaf (Girvin) in the Jebel Ali Distaff (1400m, dirt).
Later in the afternoon, Uruguayan-bred Don Vaccaro (Alcorano) produced a stellar late charge, finishing second, just 1 1/4 lengths behind Rafid (Into Mischief) in the Al Wasl Classic (1400m, dirt). Like Devassa, he is trained by the duo of Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga.
Finally, in the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes (1600m, dirt), Uruguayan contenders Rock Walk (T.H. Approval) and El Patriota (Ecólogo) finished fourth and eleventh, respectively, trailing winner Regheeb (New Approach) by 5 1/2 and 11 lengths. Rock Walk encountered significant traffic trouble, which likely cost him a better finish, yet his effort marked a notable rebound from two previous subpar performances.
