Polar River looked a top-class prospect for the Dubai classics after another outstanding victory in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (1400m) at Meydan on Thursday.
The Congrats filly was a 13 length debut winner in December and she was just as impressive thrashing her rivals by 4 lengths second time out. Best of the beaten division was Godolphin filly Promising Run (Hard Spun) who was making her first appearance in the Gulf after winning the G2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket in September.
“She was green in the first half but when I got her out she had it won in two or three strides,” jockey Pat Dobbs said. “She quickened up well and is very good. We haven’t seen the best of her by a long way yet.”
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.
“Pat said she didn’t have a clue in behind but when she got some daylight she took off,” trainer Doug Watson said. “We thought she was all right before she won first time and then we were just hoping she would back it up. Hopefully she can progress further.”
Connections will target the UAE 1000 Guineas on the way to the UAE Oaks on February 25 which carries 50 qualifying points towards the G1 Kentucky Oaks on May 6.
Congrats (USA) has 12 yearlings catalogued for the Inglis Classic Sale commencing on February 6.
