Imtiyaz back with a ban
Imtiyaz returned to winning form at Goodwood under a fine front-running ride from Frankie Dettori, the highlight of a double for the ever-popular Italian.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor was delighted to see the colt return to winning ways in the Bet attheraces Foundation Stakes.
“I was disappointed with him earlier this season,” he said. “But in the last few weeks he seems to have come back again and improved. I am really pleased with that.
“He will go for a Group Three race at Newmarket next month (the Darley Stakes) over a mile and a furlong.
“It is going to be a busy weekend with Dubai Destination, Mamool, Moon Ballad and Sulamani all set to run.
“I think I will be at Ascot to watch Dubai Destination rather than go to America. It is a difficult choice but he did a really good piece of work on Tuesday and I think he will run well.”
Suroor will be hoping that Imtiyaz’s return to form was a good sign for Dubai Destination, who also experienced something of a mid-season lull after winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Dettori, who will ride Dubai Destination in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, got off the mark as he partnered the John Gosden-trained Tip The Dip to success in the Macphie Foodservice Classified Stakes.
The 7-4 favourite had to be asked plenty of questions to beat Wasted Talent but was clearly lacking in experience and should improve.
“He is a young horse, improving, and he did it well,” said Dettori.
Kieren Fallon also warmed up for Saturday with a well-backed winner.
The champion jockey, fresh from reaching a double-century at Kempton 24 hours earlier, moved on to the 201-winner mark for the campaign as he scored on another winning favourite, 1-5 chance North Light.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained son of Danehill, racing in the colours of the late Lord Weinstock, did all that was asked of him as he accounted for Take A Bow by a length and three-quarters.
“He did it very well and he is going to be a nice three-year-old,” said Fallon.
“He is from a good family and hopefully he will develop into a really decent horse. He gives you the sort of feel that suggests he will do.”
Fallon is also relishing the chance to ride Russian Rhythm against Dubai Destination and company.
“She is in great form and although it will be her toughest test, I am really looking forward to the race,” he said.
Richard Hannon, busy eyeing up next year’s winners at the sales in Ireland, took the training honours with a one-two in the Sharp Commercial Microwave Oven Auction Stakes as 9-4 chance Old Malt led home fellow market-leader Vienna’s Boy.
The runner-up, who looked a shade unlucky to be beaten, will now be aimed at the Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar next month.
