Stakes Quotes: ZABEEL MILE (GROUP 2)

OFFICIAL STAKES QUOTES

ZABEEL MILE (GROUP 2)
$250,000 | 1600m (turf)

In a thrilling blanket finish, Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby-trained Zakouski proved an exciting type by landing the $250,000 Zabeel Mile (G2) by a neck, his second win of the 2020 DWC Carnival. Tracking behind leaders Salute the Soldier (Adrie de Vries) and stablemate Mythical Magic (William Buick), who set 400m sectionals of 26.55, 50.47 and 1:12.78, jockey James Doyle waited to produce the son of Shamardal until the final furlong, accelerating with Group 1 winner Dream Castle (Christophe Soumillon) to his right and splitting horses to get in the final three strides. The final time was 1:35.93.

Defending winner of the race Mythical Magic, the choice of William Buick over Zakouski, finished second, a neck to the good of Dream Castle, who in turn was a neck ahead of Salute the Soldier. Zainhom, Eqtiraan and Golden Jaguar completed the finish. Winner of a 1600m handicap last month, 4-year-old Zakouski won for the third time from four career starts.

Winner: ZAKOUSKI
Pedigree: Shamardal – O’Giselle (Octagonal)
Owner: Godolphin
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: James Doyle
Official Time: 1:35.93
Track Record: 1:34.84 – Magic Lily, 2020
Stakes Record (Meydan): 1:35.19 – Championship, 2017
Margin of Victory: Neck

James Doyle, Jockey, ZAKOUSKI (1st)—“To be honest, not at any stage did I think he would win until probably the final 100m. He seemed to find the ground a bit loose today, but you have to remember that was just his fourth career start and he has beaten three tough customers already proven at this level. He hit the line well and hopefully he’ll have a nice campaign now from here. I think he’ll take a big step forward from today.”

Charlie Appleby, Trainer, ZAKOUSKI (1st)—“We know Mythical Magic had solid form and at home was the better work horse. You just have to go back to Zakouski when he broke his maiden over a good horse at Kempton and has always had ability. It will be interesting to see (if he’ll go farther) and what James says. I’m delighted with the results.”

William Buick, Jockey, MYTHICAL MAGIC (2nd)—“He had a similar race to what he had last year in the race. He’s obviously a year older and he ran very well. It’s just that Mythical Magic had been there and done that and was a safe bet, but I knew (Zakouski) was an improver.”

Christophe Soumillon, Jockey, DREAM CASTLE (3rd)—“He ran really well. Unfortunately, he stumbled at the 300m mark and it cost him probably second place.”

-END-

Photo Credit: Dubai Racing Club | Erika Rasmussen

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