Dubai: Althiqa goes last to first in Cape Verdi Stakes

Althiqa closed strongly into a fast pace and easily won the Group 2, $163,000 Cape Verdi Stakes, featured race Thursday on the second program of the 2021 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan.

The third choice in North American wagering behind two favorites also sent out by Althiqa’s owner, Godolphin, Althiqa dropped back to last in the early stages before swamping tiring rivals in the stretch. She crossed the line 2 1/4 lengths best in this 1,600-meter turf race for fillies and mares, stopping the timer in 1:35.08 over good ground.

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Summer Romance, the favorite, set the pace but went too fast and tired late to finish fifth. Second choice Stunning Beauty, an eye-catching winner last summer in England in the first two starts of her career, pressed the leader but dropped back sharply in upper stretch and was last of nine.

Stylistique finished second, one length in front of third-place Dubai Love.

Althiqa is a 4-year-old homebred filly by Dark Angel out of Mistrusting, by Shamardal. Charlie Appleby trains Althiqa and James Doyle rode her for the first time.

Godolphin and trainer Saeed bin Suroor sent out the winner of the listed UAE 1,000 Guineas, won in a route by Soft Whisper. Soft Whisper got a perfect pressing trip in this 1,600-meter dirt contest, took over at will approaching the homestretch, and drew away to a geared-down seven-length victory, clocking 1:38.67. Soft Whisper, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won a pair of turf handicaps last August and September and now is 2 for 2 on Meydan dirt. She’s by Dubawi out of Placidia, by Sea the Stars, and has the pedigree to stretch out farther than she raced Thursday.

Mnasek finished a distant second but could give the winner a challenge over a longer distance, provided she can improve her gate habits. As she’d done in her winning debut last month at Meydan, Mnasek totally blew the start, spotting the rest of the field several lengths before rushing up into the back of the pack. Once there, she threw her head when unable to find room to advance, pulling too hard for much of the trip while blocked. She finally worked her way into the clear after turning for home, and leveled off and finished well through the final 300 meters.