American Dubai dominant in Downs at Albuquerque Handicap

American Dubai turned in an authoritative effort in the $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap on Saturday night, demolishing a solid field by nine lengths.

The 4-year-old son of E Dubai ran three wide in the early going, and battled for the lead with Forest Mouse on the rail and Real Heat in the middle. That trio entered the first turn together and opened up the first quarter in 24.15 seconds. Forest Mouse fell back from the group as they entered the backstretch, leaving an American Dubai and Real Heat evenly matched.

Jockey Ken Tohill rode American Dubai aggressively across the back straightaway, and quickly broke away from Real Heat, passing the opening half in 47.67 seconds. Tohill took a look over his left shoulder and moved his mount into the rail path. Once he had that space, American Dubai started to add lengths to his lead.

American Dubai led by five lengths at the top of the stretch, and he continued to get an assertive ride from Tohill, who threw in the occasional left-handed whip to keep his mount to task. They passed the wire nine lengths ahead of runner-up Hereditary, who finished three-quarters of a length ahead of pacesetter Forest Mouse.

American Dubai stopped the clock in the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:49.90 over a fast main track. He paid $7.80 to win as the second choice.

Rodney Richards trains American Dubai for owner Richard Keith. The colt was bred in Virginia by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III.

With Saturday’s victory, American Dubai improved his lifetime record to 6 wins in 15 starts for earnings of $406,122. It was his second stakes win of the season, following his score in the Sunland Park Handicap in April.