Dubai Future rolls back the years in G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Veteran stayer Dubai Future produced a sensational display on his first appearance for 14 months as he readily beat King Of Conquest in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 21 February.

Winner of the G3 Bahrain International Trophy in 2022, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained nine-year-old had also run well at Meydan in previous years, notching a pair of Listed victories and finishing second in both the G2 Dubai City Of Gold and G2 Al Rashidiya.

Caius Chorister led the six runners for much of the 14-furlong contest, opening up a six-length advantage over King Of Conquest down the back, with Silvestre de Sousa happy to hold Dubai Future up in last.

King Of Conquest took up the running two furlongs out as Dubai Future travelled strongly into the race behind runners. Dubai Future cruised into the lead over a furlong out and skipped clear under a hands and heels ride, crossing the line four and a quarter lengths clear of King Of Conquest.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Dubai Future had a setback, so we gave him a break. He has been doing good the last two months since coming to Dubai. In his last two pieces of work, he worked well.

“Silvestre wanted to lead from the front, but I told him to sit last and give the horse a chance after a long break. He is a solid horse, who always tries. If you bring him to the right race at the right time, he has won nice races.

“I think he can run well over two miles in the Dubai Gold Cup, with the same tactics.”

Silvestre de Sousa said: “That was brilliant from Dubai Future. He travelled a bit with the choke out and, from 800 metres out, every time I took him back, he wanted to go forward. I thought then that we were going to have a good go and he has won as I liked.

“He gave me the impression that he could be a Dubai Gold Cup horse. He had cheekpieces on today, but I don’t think it is necessary. He needs to relax a bit better and I think removing them could be beneficial.

“It brings back memories riding in these colours. We had some special moments together and I am thrilled to put the Godolphin colours on again.”