Marking & Baccarat On The Mark At Meydan

Marking was a decisive winner of Al Naboodah Plant Trophy Handicap over six furlongs on dirt at Meydan, UAE on Thursday, February 25.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained four-year-old was slowly into stride before quickly recovering to track the leaders. Jockey William Buick asked him for an effort approaching the final quarter mile and the son of Bernardini progressed to take up the running in the final furlong. He stayed on strongly to score by two lengths in 1m 10.86s.

John Ferguson, Chief Executive and Racing Manager of Godolphin, commented: "The first thing William said afterwards was that Marking was a big baby, but a very talented one.

"He was slow out of the gates today and, if he is going to win on Dubai World Cup Night, he is going to have to improve there.

"When he changed his leads, there was no question of who the winner was. Although I was concerned two furlongs out, I was very impressed by the time the proceedings were over.

"We are happy with our team over a mile and I think Marking has shown, with his run against Runhappy, that he is a top-class sprinter. He will improve a lot for today and will be a lot sharper next time."

William Buick added: "Marking is still a big baby and I think that was the fifth run of his whole life.

"He was a little bit keen and babyish. I got into the race at halfway and managed to tag on to the leaders. Once I pulled him out and he changed his legs and got out of the kickback, he picked up really well. At the end on the line, he was well ahead.

"I think he was a little bit slow away because he is a big baby. What happened last time was just unfortunate but at least the horse and James (Doyle) were OK. He is James's ride and he has plenty to look forward to with him.

"I was very impressed with his turn of foot. It was a very good performance."

There was also success for Godolphin in the concluding Al Naboodah Civils Division Trophy Handicap with Baccarat taking the honours in the six-furlong turf contest.

The Charlie Appleby-trained seven-year-old, making his first appearance for 495 days, was partnered by William Buick and tracked the leaders on the inside rail. He took up the lead entering the final furlong and ran on well to win by a length and three-quarters in 1m 10.43s.

Charlie Appleby commented: "I was delighted with Baccarat's win tonight.

"His homework had been good of late and he was running back off the mark which he won the Wokingham off (in 2014).

"He has done it nicely tonight. There is nothing left for him over here, so we will give him a small break now and take him back for a European campaign.

"We could look at taking him to Royal Ascot again. We will see what the handicapper does but he should be a fun horse to have around for the summer."

William Buick added: "It was a great night and I am very pleased to see Baccarat come back. We were hoping for a good run but when they win like that it is even sweeter.

"Baccarat has come to hand in the last few weeks and was ready for a run. He has a lot of quality and was entitled to win on his best form. It was just that he has had a lot of time off.

"He ran well in the Haydock Sprint Cup behind G Force (in 2014) so has been in top company. We will mind him, take him back to England and see what there is for him."