Nothing Checks Safety In Al Fahidi Fort

Safety Check stormed to an impressive victory in the seven-furlong Group Two Al Fahidi Fort Sponsored By Gulf News on turf at Meydan, UAE on Thursday, January 22.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old broke well from his inside draw of two under William Buick and travelled strongly behind the leaders in fourth.

The Dubawi colt was switched out as the 10-strong field straightened up and smoothly made up ground to challenge the front-running Modern History.

Safety Check went into the lead with over a furlong remaining and quickened clear for an easy four-length victory from Irish challenger Eastern Rules, with South African raider Zahee three quarters of length further back in third.

The winning time of 1m 23.09s was a new course record for the seven furlongs on turf at Meydan.

Charlie Appleby commented: "Safety Check was a handicap winner stepping into Group company tonight so we were not confident he would win but knew he would run a nice race.

"He has improved and thrived since he has been out in Dubai. Seven furlongs is his ideal trip as he has got great tactical speed but there is nothing more for him over that distance.

"You could probably run him over six furlongs but we will most likely go the other way, stepping up in trip for the Zabeel Mile (Group Two, Meydan, February 26).

"He wasn't stopping tonight, gallops out strongly and has won over a mile.

"Safety Check can sit in behind the pace, travel very well and find another gear.

"This was William's first winner for Godolphin in his new role and it was nice for him to get the monkey off his back."

William Buick, partnering his first winner for Godolphin since starting his job as a retained jockey at the start of the year, said: "Safety Check has come on leaps and bounds since he has been out here and it was a great effort from the team who have handled him very well.

"He has come on for his first win here which was in handicap company and Charlie (Appleby) was pretty confident that the step up in class would suit him and he showed that tonight.

"I think he will get a mile. There are obviously races like the Zabeel Mile to look at."