Supple shines on Watson ace

Willie Supple was seen at his very best on Doug Watson’s Mutasallil in the 10-furlong handicap at Nad Al Sheba this evening, the feature race of the Dubai track’s fourth meeting of the new season.

Having his first start on dirt, the six-year-old son of Gone West was impressive on what was just his 15th career start, much to the delight of connections.

“I wanted to get a lead and it worked perfectly. Once in front I could dictate terms and it was a good performance,” Supple said.

Watson, the champion trainer in the UAE, added: “He worked on dirt with Sir Michael Stoute’s Maraahel before the World Cup meeting in March and they said he was a hard horse to pass, so we thought we would race him on it.

“We may go to Jebel Ali with him and we can try him on grass and dirt at the Carnival now.”

Richard Mullen never looked worried on Satish Seemar’s Lover Boy in the nine-furlong maiden, which the three-year-old gelded son of Alhaarth won easily.

Mullen said: “He had the advantage of fitness and experience and it was not a great race.”

The mile handicap was taken in good style by Tri Another Cat, who was registering his second success of the season for Watson.

Given a confident ride by Pat Dobbs, the six-year-old won comfortably and Watson revealed the key to the resurgence in the horse’s form, saying: “We had him gelded over the summer and it has been the making of him. Pat (Dobbs) has given him a great ride.”

Doctor Hilary and Daragh O’Donohoe registered a comfortable victory in the six-furlong handicap in which former Godolphin inmate Botanical was a good runner-up on his return to action.

Second at Jebel Ali 13 days previously, the four-year-old was never far off the frantic pace set by Secret Place and, when that rival weakened at halfway, there was only ever going to be one winner.

O’Donohoe said: “That was a nice performance and he enjoyed the fast pace. He had that run two weeks ago, which put him spot on for tonight.”

Former champion trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam opened his account for the season when Almaram won the extended seven-furlong handicap under a strong drive from Rory Cleary.