Congrats filly Polar River looked a horse of the highest calibre when destroying her rivals in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Meydan on Thursday evening.
Ridden off the pace, Polar River was asked for her effort by Pat Dobbs at the top of the straight and displayed an electric turn of foot pulling clear to score by 13 lengths. Watch her impressive performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia7IVHO4KRk
The unbeaten filly has won her first three starts by a combined 31.5 lengths!
Polar River (3f Congrats – Bayou Tortuga by Empire Maker) is raced by Valentin Bukhtoyarov and Evgeny Kappushevter after making $40,000 at the Ocala 2YO Sale in April 2015. She claimed a Meydan maiden by 13.5 lengths on debut in December and was outstanding again when a 5 length winner of the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (1400m) last month.
“If she keeps progressing, it would only be fair to take her to the United States and give her a chance to further her career,” trainer Doug Watson said. “She was very impressive and Pat said he gave her a bit of a squeeze and she just picked it up. She has some turn of foot and is a really nice filly.”
The G1 Kentucky Oaks is the obvious target in the United States but there is still some unfinished business in the Gulf. “She’s still a little green,” Watson added. “Pat said she didn’t have a clue last time but tonight showed she is progressing.
“The (G3) UAE Oaks is the next step and, if she wins that, I’m sure we would take an invitation against the colts in the (G2) UAE Derby.”
The UAE Oaks carries 50 qualifying points towards the G1 Kentucky Oaks on May 6.
