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Dubai World Cup: Beasley lost for words after Dark Saffron's stunning win in Dubai Golden Shaheen

Dubai World Cup: Beasley lost for words after Dark Saffron's stunning win in Dubai Golden Shaheen

Khaleej Times05-04-2025

In a major upset, Dark Saffron stunned the favourites to win the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen at Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
Tuz, one of the big favourites and the defending champion, finished third as Nakatomi took the second position.
Dark Saffron, a rank outsider, was undeterred by the challenge of facing some very big names on Saturday.
And jockey Connor Beasley was lost for words after guiding Dark Saffron to a stunning victory at the majestic Meydan racecourse.
"To be fair, he is one of them who keeps improving. To do what he has just done tonight is just incredible. I am just speechless now," Beasley said.
Dark Saffron shifted gears in the brilliant fashion on the home stretch to break away from the pack, leaving Tuz in an unenviable position of chasing the leader.
It was Nakatomi who mounted a challenge, but it was not enough to keep pace with Dark Saffron.
"He has got plenty of natural speed, and the way he has done it today was fantastic," Beasley said.
The highlight of today's nine-race card is the $12 million Dubai World Cup which will see 11 thoroughbreds vying for glory on the dirt.
Japanese sensation Forever Young, who delivered a stunning run to win the $20 million Saudi Cup early this year, is the overwhelming favourite tonight at Meydan.
But don't write off Bhupat Seemar's chances of finding a place in the pantheon of racing immortals.
Having guided Laurel River to victory last year, the Dubai-based Indian trainer is pinning his hopes on Walk of Stars and Imperial Emperor, two formidable equine athletes, to land him another Dubai World Cup trophy.

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