Noble Dynasty caught close home in G2 Zabeel Mile

Noble Dynasty was collared in the final strides by Poker Face and Holloway Boy as he attempted to make most of the running in the G2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 3 January.

Stepping back up in trip following a string of good efforts over seven furlongs, the Charlie Appleby-trained seven-year-old broke alertly from his wide draw and tacked across to lead stable-mate Ottoman Fleet and Cairo after a furlong.

Royal Dubai and Ottoman Fleet looked poised to challenge at the top of the straight but Noble Dynasty found more for James Doyle and still held a two-length advantage over his eight rivals with a furlong to race.

Holloway Boy and Poker Face emerged from the chasing pack to reel in Noble Dynasty near the line, with the latter prevailing by a nose. Noble Dynasty finished a half-length back in third, with a further three lengths back to Ottoman Fleet in fourth. 

Charlie Appleby said: “Noble Dynasty ran a very good race and probably found a mile on the edge of his limit at this level. We will look at returning to seven furlongs for the G2 Al Fahidi Fort later in the month.”

“We will probably step Ottoman Fleet back up to nine furlongs for the G1 Jebel Hatta, which he ran well in last year.”