Mio holds off Dubawi King to land top prize

Review: Qatar, Thursday

Al Rayyan (Doha): HH The Heir Apparent Trophy (Group 1-local) 1m4f, turf, 3yo+

AMICO MIO (Yousef Bentahar/David Badel), committed for home about two furlongs out in a race-winning move by his rider, was able to hold the flying late challenge of Dubawi King to land this valuable and prestigious prize.

The six-year-old son of Best Of The Bests was never far off the pace, set by Epsom Derby sixth Recital who folded tamely once headed by the winner and finished last.

Meanwhile, Badel's mount opened up a four-length advantage on his rivals and it was left to Dubawi King to chase him home.

Badel said: "I won a Group 3 on him in November over a mile but he has won over this trip before and stays well so I was happy to send him for home when the chance arrived.

"He has been beaten in his last races when giving away weight in competitivehandicaps but was meeting them all on level weights and has bounced back to his very best."