Singapore reaped its best result at the Dubai World Cup Carnival this year when Newlands ran fourth in the US$125,000 Al Naboodah Trade School Trophy (2000m) at Meydan on Thursday night.
At his third start in Dubai, the Stephen Gray-trained stayer produced his best performance by far (second-last and last at previous two) by storming home late under young English jockey Tom Marquand, narrowly missing bronze by a neck.
Godolphin’s Kidmenever (James Doyle) won the race after being trapped five wide without cover. Mike de Kock’s Baroot (Christophe Soumillon) ran second two-and-a-half length away, two lengths clear of third-placed Banksea (William Buick).
Gray’s second runner, 2016 Dester Singapore Gold Cup winner Bahana (Richard Mullen) beat two home after settling at the rear despite jumping from the inside alley.
After jumping a little awkwardly – but significantly better than at his second run last Thursday when he bombed the start and took it easy, hence him backing up one week later - Newlands brought up the rear before improving on the outside from the half-mile.
At the top of the straight, the Mugharreb six-year-old still looked like he would be an also-ran again, as did Bahana who was struggling to keep up. But suddenly, under Marquand’s urgings, Newlands began to weave his way through the field, passing one runner after another.
At the 200m, he still spotted the winner about six to seven lengths and looked already out of contention, but his staying genes no doubt kicked in in the final bit as he lengthened up nicely to just miss a podium spot.
Gray, who watched the race ‘live’ from Singapore, was thrilled to bits with the mighty effort, immediately dedicating the run to his two staff, assistant-trainer Mike Shaw and senior track rider and former jockey Andy Ismail.
“It’s very pleasing for Mike and Andy. It’s not easy to travel horses,” said the Kiwi handler.
“It’s great that they have for the first time got the results. They’ve done a great job and deserved that.
“The jockey said he could have run third if he had run straight. He’s a funny horse.
“We thought he would run well at his last start but we were quite disappointed he missed the kick, and that’s why we backed him up.
“He was running against some bloody good horses. There were a few Group and Listed winners in there, and they ran good time, they were running along.
“I knew he could put his hand up. He was very hard to beat in last year’s Singapore Gold Cup, but unfortunately, he stumbled and was put out of the race.
“Bahana could not keep up. I think he’s a bit rusty, but the run would do him a world of good.
“He passed one or two up the straight and he’s pulled up good. He’ll come home and we’ll get both him and Newlands ready for the Gold Cup.”
Gray had declared before Thursday’s race his two horses would be on the next plane home come what may, but Newlands’ unexpected forward run has given them food for thought.
“There are only two days to go in the Carnival. There is a Group 2 race on Super Saturday (next Saturday), but one, would he get in? And two, is it the right thing to do?” said Gray.
“I’ve spoken to Paul Hickman (owner) and nothing’s been decided yet. I’ll let the dust settle first and we’ll see.”
The third Singapore representative at the DWCC is the Cliff Brown-trained 2017 Dester Singapore Gold Cup winner Gilt Complex, who was not successful in two starts.
