Al Shaqab Racing’s Afjan finishes with a flourish
in the UAE President Cup (Gr.3 PA)
JDG
Coming into the race off a solid second in a Gr.2 (PA) at Rome, Afjan (Tm Fred Texas) confirmed his class by landing the Gr.3 (PA) UAE President Cup, run over 2150m, at Duindigt on Sunday, 3rd August, evening — the 8th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series.
Already a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at 3, and winner of a Gr.3 (PA) over 1900m during that same season, the now 5-year-old Purebred Arabian produced a thrilling last-to-first performance for trainer Jean De Mieulle and owner Al Shaqab Racing, under Olivier d’Andigné.
In a race led at a good pace by Al Zeer (Al Mamun Monlau), Afjan missed the break and settled at the rear of the field. Still last entering the home straight, he needed time to find his rhythm, but once into top gear, he surged wide past his rivals with real authority. Digging deep inside the final 100m, Afjan caught the long-time leader in the final strides to win by a neck. Ska de l’Aigle (Al Mourtajez) stayed on well for third.
Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Afjan is out of the unraced mare Muzoon (Amer). He is a half-brother to Mezown (Amer), a Gr.3 (PA) winner over 1900m at three and runner-up in a Gr.1 (PA) over 2000m at the same age.
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