Mawj denies Dream Of Love in thrilling Jumeirah Fillies Classic
Racenews
27 January, 2023
Mawj narrowly held off Dream Of Love as the duo served up a tremendous finish to the seven-furlong Jumeirah Fillies Classic at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 27 January.
Winner of the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes last year, Mawj soon disputed second on the outside of Perdika as Alseyoob led the 12 runners, with Dream Of Love held up at the rear of the field.
Mawj quickened to take up the running over a furlong out and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly looked in full control as she opened up a clear advantage under Pat Cosgrave.
Dream Of Love, who still had all of her rivals in front of her at the top of the straight, flashed home for William Buick and bore down on Mawj in the closing strides.
The three-year-olds hit the line together, with Mawj holding on by a short-head as the front two pulled two lengths clear of Alseyoob in third.
Saeed bin Suroor said: “This is the first time Mawj has raced over seven furlongs and on softer ground, which was a question mark before the race but we thought we would give her a chance.
“She is an improving filly and has grown a little since coming out to Dubai but she still needs time. Last year she raced over six furlongs, tonight was seven, and next she will go up to a mile for the Jumeirah Fillies Guineas.”
Pat Cosgrave said: “To be honest, I got racing too far out. I was not going very well at the 600 [metres] as Mawj was struggling on the ground. Being by Exceed And Excel, she wants it quicker. In the end, class got her home.
“I was going nowhere at halfway so I woke her up, but it was my own fault for setting her alight too soon. She did well to win tonight considering the ground and the fact she was in front too soon. William [Buick] flew home quick and I would say the first two are not bad fillies."
“Mawj will be so much better on quick ground. This is my first time riding her on a racecourse and I now know in the future that I can leave her be for a bit longer as she has a good turn of foot. She might get a mile on quick ground.”
