Manobo made 3-1 for Ascot Gold Cup after breaking track record in Meydan romp

Friday: Meydan

An explosive performance from Godolphin's Manobo saw his price for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot slashed to 3-1 (from 7s) with his success at Meydan extending his unbeaten record to five.

The four-year-old, who capped a perfect 2021 with success on Arc weekend, further enhanced his credentials as a serious talent in the staying division when bursting clear up the straight to break the 1m6f track record in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

Manobo is now challenging Trueshan for favouritism in the Royal meeting's signature staying race, yet connections believe he could also be a major force in top middle-distance contests this season.

Winning jockey William Buick said: "He's a beautiful big horse and he's unbeaten. He's obviously very good and the team had him in great shape for his stepping-stone run. I think he can go up in trip or down. That was a lovely performance."

The Dubai City of Gold Stakes back at Meydan on March 5 could be his next starting point – a Group 2 contest trainer Charlie Appleby has won for the last four seasons.

Elsewhere, Buick and Appleby also fittingly teamed up to land the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint with Lazuli and completed a treble with Valiant Prince in the mile handicap.

Classy Shahama strikes again

Shahama overcame a poor start to defend her unbeaten record and land a second Classic in the UAE Oaks Presented By JAFZA.

The three-year-old, trained by Bahrain-based Fawzi Nass, could now take on the boys in the UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night or head to America for the Kentucky Oaks.

Bet365 cut her to 20-1 (from 40-1) to continue her dominance at Churchill Downs in May.

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