Postponed Much the Best in Sheema Classic
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Photo: Dubai Racing Club/Mathea Kelley
Postposted dominates the Dubai Sheema.
Postposted scored a comfortable two-length triumph from hard-charging Duramente in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic Presented By Longines (UAE-I) March 26 at Meydan.
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Postponed lurked just off the early pace set by Highland Reel and grabbed the lead in the stretch. Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, he completed 2,410 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) in 2:26.97 on turf rated good for a fourth consecutive victory.
Japanese champion Duramente, who ran with only one front shoe after losing his right front before the start, gallantly pursued but had to settle for second in capping a three-race win streak. Last Impact, also based in Japan, was third, 1 1/2 lengths back.
Postponed was the even-money favorite in U.S. pools. He won his prep for the Dubai Sheema Classic, the Dubai City of Gold (UAE-II), by three lengths March 5 at Meydan in his season's bow and first start for trainer Roger Varian.
He capped last year with a victory in the Qatar Prix Foy (Fr-II) Sept. 13 at Longchamp after getting his first top-level triumph in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Eng-I) in July at Ascot for previous trainer Luca Cumani.
Bred in Ireland by St Albans Bloodstock, Postponed is a 5-year-old by Dubawi out of the Dubai Destination mare Ever Rigg. His record improves to 7-2-4 from 15 career starts.