Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes |
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| Group 2, Newmarket 15:35 £125,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m, Class 1  |
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1 Prague 10/3
2
Poker Face 2/1JF
3 Task Force 2/1JF
4 ran NR: Dancing Gemini, Lead Artist
Distances: 3¾l, 1¾l, 9l Time: 1m 40.53s (slow by 4.53s)
Prague lands a confident victory in the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes in the hands of Danny Tudhope, for trainer Dylan Cunha @ABE_Dubai pic.twitter.com/zXA8atOORn
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) September 27, 2024
Prague, a bargain buy, delivered Dylan Cunha the pinnacle of his training career with a commanding performance at Newmarket. Acquired for 10,000 guineas from Aidan O’Brien’s stable as an unraced colt last October, the Galileo progeny stunned at 40-1 on his debut for the South African-born trainer at Sandown in the spring. He has since validated that win with three solid performances in defeat.
The four-year-old narrowly missed catching Holloway Boy in the Superior Mile at Haydock three weeks ago due to a troubled run, and entered the Group Two race on the Rowley Mile as a 100-30 contender seeking redemption. Jockey Danny Tudhope initially held Prague at the back of the four-horse field but allowed him to take the lead halfway through, a move that paid off as Prague surged ahead in isolation down the track’s center.
Despite efforts from 2-1 joint-favourites Poker Face and Task Force to challenge closer to the stands’ rail, Prague remained uncatchable, winning by nearly four lengths. Cunha praised Tudhope’s ride, admitting initial concern over the strategy but ultimately celebrating the victory as a career-defining moment.
Prague has been added to Quinnbet’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes betting at 7-1, though he will need to be supplemented for the race, with Charyn favoured at 13-8 for next month’s Ascot Group One. Cunha is considering whether to supplement Prague for the QEII or wait for the Lockinge next year, noting the horse’s preference for better ground despite his success on soft surfaces.
Cunha highlighted Prague’s growth and potential, revealing that despite offers following his six-length debut win at Sandown, the horse is not for sale unless for life-changing money. Owner Amedeo Dal Pos expressed his excitement and anticipation for Prague’s future, particularly with Ascot on the horizon.
Joel Stakes (Group 2)
£125,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m, Class 1
4 ran
Going: Soft
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (1) Prague 4 9-6 Dylan Cunha Daniel Tudhope 10/3
2 (4) 3¾ Poker Face 5 9-6 Simon & Ed Crisford James Doyle 2/1JF
3 (5) 1¾ Task Force 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett Ryan Moore 2/1JF
4 (2) 9 Ice Max 3 9-5 K R Burke Clifford Lee 4/1
NR 4 (3) Dancing Gemini 3 9-2 Roger Teal NON RUNNER
NR 5 (6) Lead Artist 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden NON RUNNER
