Confrontation, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and the mount of William Buick, came through strongly to win the mile G3 Firebreak Stakes Sponsored By EGA on dirt at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, February 4, while stable companion Watershed finished fast in third.
Confrontation, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and the mount of William Buick, came through strongly to win the mile G3 Firebreak Stakes Sponsored By EGA on dirt at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, February 4, while stable companion Watershed finished fast in third.
Six-year-old Confrontation, who had not raced since June last year, was quickest away from the stalls and raced in front before soon being settled close up in third on the inside.
He occupied the same position after straightening up, tried to challenge and closed on the two up front inside the final furlong.
Confrontation led some 75 yards out and went away to triumph by two lengths from One Man Band in 1m 37.37s.
Watershed, with James Doyle up, was held up last of the seven runners and the four-year-old Bernardini colt improved to fifth turning in.
He took time to get going but really flew in the closing stages, just failing to snatch second by a short-head.
Kiaran McLaughlin said: "It has been a great night and I am happy to be back in Dubai.
"It is fabulous to win two races and this was Confrontation's first run for us so I was not confident but his form suggested he would be competitive and he has run very well.
"He will improve for the race because it has been a long time since he last ran. We will point Confrontation at the Godolphin Mile (G2, March 26) because we have Frosted for the Dubai World Cup.
"Watershed ran great too and really finished well. James said he was looking around a little and not focusing in the first part of the race. He should improve as this was only his fifth start and he looks to have a bright future."
William Buick declared: "Confrontation came back from a long layoff and is a new horse for Kiaran and his team, and so he was entitled to need the race.
"We were hoping for a good run but I suppose we didn't know a lot about the horse apart from watching his previous races.
"He did it well. He felt a bit rusty but at the end was well on top. It looked like quite a spicy race beforehand and it was a good performance after a long layoff.
"You would have to consider a race like the Godolphin Mile now.
"Confrontation ran hard to the line and pricked his ears just before it which is quite a nice sign. It was a good performance all round and it has been a good night for the team. It was fantastic to win on two quality horses over from the USA."
