Measured Time rises to the occasion in G2 Al Rashidiya

Progressive three-year-old Measured Time posted a first Group-race success with an impressive display in the G2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 22 December.

The half-brother to Rebel’s Romance, making his Dubai debut having won three of his four starts in the UK, was prominent throughout the nine-furlong highlight and disputed the early running for William Buick before tracking Wirko in second.

Goemon moved up on the outside of Measured Time half a mile from home and the duo kicked on as Wirko started to fade with three furlongs left.

Measured Time took up the running just inside the two-furlong pole and the Charlie Appleby-trained colt readily stretched clear, hitting the line three and a quarter lengths in front of Erzindjan.

Ottoman Fleet closed well from the rear after being squeezed leaving the stalls to take third, a further three-quarters of a length back.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were pleased with the performance of Measured Time and the plan is to hopefully head to the G1 Jebel Hatta at the end of January.”

William Buick added: “Measured Time is a good horse, full of promise. He is growing up all the time and today was a new test for him, having never been to Meydan before. This was another tick in the box and his ability is there for all to see.

“He has a lot of speed, although I think he will stay. He has a huge stride like his brother Rebel’s Romance and you never feel like the race is going fast enough for him – he has a great cruising speed.”