Third Godolphin victory as Blair House storms home at Meydan

Blair House gave Godolphin at third win of the evening when producing a sparkling turn of foot for an emphatic victory in the nine-furlong turf handicap at Meydan, UAE, on Saturday 17 February.

The Charlie Appleby-trained son of Pivotal, dropping down in trip after finishing second in two 10-furlong handicaps at the course, tacked across from stall 10 and was soon switched off by James Doyle towards the rear of the 12 runners.

Blair House had a wall of horses in front of him turning for home, but ran on strongly after being switched out with nearly two furlongs to race.

The five-year-old took up the running just over a furlong out and readily opened up daylight over his rivals, despite drifting to the far rail, going on to beat Mountain Hunter (Saeed bin Suroor/Christophe Soumillon) by two and three quarter lengths in 1m 48.73s.

Charlie Appleby said: “We are delighted that Blair House has got his head in front after finishing second on his first two starts this year.

“The race was run to suit as they went a nice gallop, which was missing from his other two appearances, and I am very pleased for the horse.

“He has one more potential option left at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, which is a 10-furlong handicap on 1 March.”

James Doyle commented: “The pace was strong early on so I chanced my luck a little bit and Blair House really enjoyed being tucked in down the inside with plenty of cover.

“Every time I asked him, he came alive underneath me. I hit the front plenty soon enough but you have to take the gaps when they come and he quickened up really well. He was a very willing partner.”