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Reports03 January 2025

Poker Face nabs Group 2 Zabeel Mile in a thrilling photo-finish for Simon and Ed Crisford

Poker Face: has a record of 1111122 over a mile
Poker Face (seen winning at Newcastle): landed Group 2 glory at Meydan on FridayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Poker Face's cards fell right when he claimed the Zabeel Mile in a thrilling photo-finish.

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained six-year-old, who struck in Listed company at Kempton last month, was boxed in under Pat Dobbs turning for home, but managed to get his head in front on the line to deny Holloway Boy in the Group 2.

It was a second triumph at the level for Poker Face, who won the 2023 Prix Daniel Wildenstein.

"I'd have lost money betting on the photo as I thought I was beaten," Dobbs said.

"I said to Danny [Tudhope, Holloway Boy's jockey] well done pulling up as I thought he was sure, but when the Jeep with the cameras followed me on the way in I then thought I'd done it. It was a nice surprise.

"He had a lovely position after not jumping great but we wanted to keep things smooth. I thought a furlong out he'd pick up, but Danny had a lovely position on the outside. My lad is obviously still improving despite being six."

Big double for Beasley

Golden Vekoma caused a 33-1 shock with an impressive success in the UAE 2,000 Guineas Trial under Connor Beasley.

He was the second leg of a 373-1 double for Beasley following 10-1 shot Rasas's win in the 6f handicap.

Terrific Tuz strikes again

Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Tuz claimed the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes for the second year in a row.


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