Mostahdaf makes it look easy in the Neom Turf Cup

Mostahdaf (Frankel) sprinted clear in the Gr.3 Neom Turf Cup at King Abdulaziz racecourse on Saturday to win by seven lengths.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 26th February 2023:

John Gosden suggested after the race that the G1 Dubai World Cup could be next for Mostahdaf, a horse the team at Clarehaven Stables thought good enough to run in the Arc, Europe's showcase race last autumn.

But this was the day where Mostahdaf came good on his initial promise by carrying the famous Shadwell Estate colours to a seven-length victory over Saeed bin Suroor's Dubai Future. Missed The Cut could only manage fourth after racing far too keenly.

Gosden said, "He did it perfectly. He had a nice draw and Jim used it. I think the track is quick and, if you are handy and have Mikael Barzalona [aboard Eagle's Flight] measuring the fractions, that's where you want to be; handy."

He added: "Stunningly-good performance. We obviously know the family well and Sheikha Hissa has done wonderfully to keep these horses in training and her father would be so proud with what she has done with the stable. It's a Shadwell family and we have the sister and we have the brother who is a nice three-year-old, so look, he's an improving horse and we're delighted with him. If he flies home in great form, obviously we came here with Mishriff and then he went to Dubai, so he could run on Dubai World Cup night as well."