Easy G2 Dahlia Stakes victory for Wuheida

Wuheida made short work of the opposition on her four-year-old seasonal debut in the nine-furlong G2 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Sunday, 6 May. 

The top-class Dubawi filly, trained by Charlie Appleby and partnered by William Buick, chased the leaders in fourth or fifth of the eight runners.

She moved up to go second with more than two furlongs remaining, soon challenged the leader and went to the front.

Wuheida lengthened and went clear in the final furlong before being eased down in the closing stages to score by four lengths from Wilamina in 1m 50.43s on good to firm going, with a further three and three quarter lengths back to the third Indian Blessing.

Charlie Appleby said: “You can pretty much set your clock by her.

“Her work has been great and full credit to Kirsty and the team back in Dubai. They have done the last couple of bits of work when I have not been there but they have been sending videos through and she looked great and everybody was very happy with her.

“The only concern I had was that we were a bit short on work. We supplemented her at the last minute – the race wasn’t really on her agenda – but she was just coming to hand so well back in Dubai. So we thought we would have a crack at the Dahlia Stakes.

“I just said to William – be careful you don’t get caught fitness-wise. She's got a little bit of tank on her still so she is entitled to come forward for this race.

“All the miles she's got under her belt, yet she doesn't do the short trips very well, but if you put her on a plane to the other side of the world she's fine.

“I'll speak to H H Sheikh Mohammed and we'll decide whether to stay in Europe or go over to America. 

“We had thought about Saratoga for the Diana Stakes (G1, 1m 1f, turf, 21 July) or we could stay in Europe for Deauville. It's a nice problem to have.”