Challenge tilt could be next for Mutasaabeq after Joel Stakes glory

Friday: Newmarket

Mutasaabeq, owned by Shadwell Estates, turned the clock back on what was formerly Shadwell day when taking the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Joel Stakes.

Trainer Charlie Hills had to pull Pogo out of the mile contest on account of the ground, but still collected when Mutasaabeq made all to see off El Drama and the unlucky-in-running Tempus.

The son of Invincible Spirit was sporting first-time blinkers but you wouldn't have known it given the way he settled in front under Jim Crowley.

Mutasaabeq was making amends for a couple of recent modest efforts and was registering his third victory at the track to set up a bid for a fourth in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes in a fortnight's time.

Charlie Hills said: "Mutasaabeq just loves it here. He's so good actioned that he handles the undulations fine and we're delighted with that.

"We tried him in the blinkers at home and he settled in them rather than taking off. Many people thought he doesn't get a mile but we thought he would and if he comes out of this in good shape he could come back for the Challenge Stakes."

Trainer Roger Varian said of the runner-up El Drama: “He ran great. We will see how he comes out of the race but he ran really well. Hopefully he can run another once or twice in the autumn. It was a good run so there is plenty to look forward to with him."

Kolsai lands the seven-furlong maiden under David EganCredit: Edward Whitaker

Egan hits 50

David Egan reached 50 winners for the turf season when Kolsai won the 7f maiden.

The 10-11 chance was going one better than on his debut at Leicester and his trainer Roger Varian said: "Matthew Henry has done a great job on this horse at home since he ran at Leicester where he was unlucky but that taught him a lot."

Varian was also on the board with Zanbaq, who gained some compensation for a couple of unlucky efforts in the Listed Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Rosemary Stakes.

The 100-30 chance held off the four-timer seeking Whitebeam and market leader Crystal Caprice under Jim Crowley.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to winning owners Shadwell Estates, said: "Zanbaq deserved that as she was unlucky twice at Ascot and it's great she has finally got some black type. I don't know if she'll run again and she'll make a lovely broodmare."

Eternal Pearl with winning connections after the Princess Royal Dubai StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Pearl power

Sponsors Al Basti Equiworld Dubai were offering three free-to-enter prizes of a trip to Dubai throughout the afternoon, so it was fitting Godolphin were among the winners when Eternal Pearl struck in the Group 3 Princess Royal Dubai Stakes.

The 6-4 chance, who was ridden by William Buick, had plenty of support from the stands as she was cheered on by pupils from Newmarket Academy, who were visiting as part of the Godolphin-backed Beacon Project.

Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson said: "This is exactly what the Beacon Project is all about, allowing the pupils to engage with the racing, and I'm delighted Godolphin have had a winner while the Year 7s are here."

Charlie Appleby indicated the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on October 15 would be Eternal Pearl's next target, and she was cut to 8-1 (from 10) by Paddy Power for the race.

Appleby and Buick doubled up when Siskany read the script and ran out an appropriate winner of the Listed Godolphin Stakes.

Replays, results and analysis

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