News

Aussie Bred Winners in Dubai

27th Jan 2012

Breednet - Tara Madgwick - Friday, 27 January 2012

Australian bred runners were in top form in Dubai overnight at Meydan where seasoned international campaigner Musir took out the Group II Al Rashidiya Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, while three year-old Stratum colt Dark Matter took out the 1400 metre handicap on turf.

A homebred for Sheikh Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum prepared by Mike de Kock, Musir (pictured courtesy Dubari Racing Club) was the Champion Two Year Old in South Africa and was a star in Dubai as a three year-old taking out the UAE Guineas Trial before going on to add the Group III UAE Two Thousand Guineas and Group II UAE Derby to his resume.

Back competing this year as a five year-old, the son of champion sire Redoute's Choice powered home to win this 1800 metre feature on turf by a length for regular rider Christophe Soumillion, his overall record now eight wins and five placings from 14 starts.

Bred in Australia by the Sheikh and foaled at Coolmore, he was offered at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Coolmore as agent passing in shy of his $1million reserve and subsequently sent to South Africa.

Musir is the first foal of stakes-placed Encosta de Lago mare Dizzy de Lago, who has a yearling colt by Duke of Marmalade (IRE), a filly foal by Redoute's Choice and was covered by Fastnet Rock last year.

Singapore trained Stratum colt Dark Matter made it two wins in as many starts in Dubai when he scored a short head win, his good efforts at Meydan following on from a successful season last year in Singapore where he won four races and placed three times from eight starts.

A $140,000 purchase from the Widden Stud draft at the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Dark Matter is a well related youngster and is one of the rare horses to be by a Group I winner, from a Group I winner and be a half to a Group I winner.

His dam Loving New (Brz), by Choctaw Ridge, was a Group I winner in Brazil - while his half brother Questing New, the only previous runner to date for his dam, is also a Group I winner in Brazil.