Godolphin off to perfect start

Richard Hills made virtually all the running on Count Trevisio at Nad Al Sheba as the Godolphin team made a winning return to the UAE with their first runner of 2007.

The rider always looked happy on the four-year-old son of Danehill, who also won first time out as a juvenile as well as last year so clearly goes well fresh.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “We were keen to aim him at the Carnival as he is a thoroughly honest and tough sort and a game front runner.

“Richard has given him a great ride. We will see how he is after this, but will look for something at the Carnival for him.”

Hills added: “He is a nice horse who loves to race up with the pace and on fast ground, so everything was in his favour tonight. I was always happy in the race and that was a good performance.”

Richard Mullen was seen at his best on Doug Watson’s Dynamic Saint who ran out the promising winner of the 10-furlong handicap.

The four-year-old, having only his fourth start, was a long way adrift half a mile out, but once Mullen asked him to close he showed a willing attitude to grind his opponents down well inside the final furlong and won with his ears pricked.

Clearly on the upgrade, he is a horse to keep on the right side.

Mullen said: “That was a good effort as he is still learning about the game. I was a bit worried the leader had nicked the race about four furlongs out, but once he picked up he was always going to get there.

“He was probably value for further.”

Royston Ffrench landed the mile handicap on Musabah Al Muhairi’s Quorum, who showed his battling qualities to deny Mezel after he had headed him a furlong out.

It was the winner’s third win from only five starts and a Carnival berth should be secured after this effort.

Ffrench, riding the horse for the first time as regular pilot Wayne Smith was suspended, said: “That was a really good effort and he really fought when he had to.

“He is still improving and clearly benefited from his last outing when an excellent fourth in a very competitive race.”

South African duo Mike De Kock and Weichong Marwing combined to win the six-furlong handicap when Key Of Destiny ran on too strongly for the Watson-trained Crooner.

It was a first win for some time for the eight-year-old, who has run well over sprint and staying trips, on grass and on dirt.

Marwing, having his first UAE ride of the season, said: “It is nice for the old horse. He has had a few problems and taken time to settle in after he arrived two years ago. He was brave when it mattered and it is nice to be back.”

Kevin Shea and Herman Brown combined to win the concluding sprint handicap with Protector, who came out on top in a rough contest in which Godolphin’s Green Coast was third.