The Michael Moroney-trained The Duke Of Dubai (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) made the perfect start to his career when proving too strong in a 1113m maiden on debut at Sale on Thursday.
Ridden by Jordan Childs, the three-year-old gelding mustered good speed to dictate and pulled out too many stops in the straight, looking to be a youngster with good upside.
Sporting the colours of prominent Kiwi owner Gerard Peterson, The Duke Of Dubai is raced by several of Moroney’s leading clients and holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
“He was slow to begin in his couple of jumpouts, so he had no option when he jumped well today,” Moroney’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said.
“He travelled well. He was firm on the bit, but it was good to get the job done.
“Credit to our track riders and the team, they have done a fantastic job. To be one from one on raceday opens up a lot of options going into the spring.
“We will try to pick a path to the major races as we have always thought highly enough of him, but it is just a matter of getting him right and out to his preferred trip.”
Bred by Bob Emery, The Duke Of Dubai is out of the winning Zabeel mare Sarvon, who is the dam of stakes placed Swords Drawn and talented Moroney-trained four-year-old Wisaka (NZ) (Tavistock).
Presented at Karaka 2020 by Woburn Farm, the quality bay fetched $275,000 to the bid of Paul Moroney Bloodstock/Ballymore Stables.
