Dubai: Rosberg, fourth in last season's Jebel Ali Mile (Listed), set himself up for a return to that venue next month when easily landing the feature race at Nad Al Sheba racecourse on Thursday night.
Off the track since February, the Erwan Charpy-trained six-year-old scored by six and a quarter lengths in the Dubal Potline Classic and will next appear in the Dhs 350,000 Jebel Ali Stakes (Listed) on December 21.
Charpy said: "It was important to get a race into him early and then go forward from here.
"The Jebel Ali Stakes has always been the plan. He likes the course over there and deserves to win a Stakes race."
Charpy, UAE champion trainer in 2001-2002, has worked wonders with the former Godolphin horse who was unraced for over three and a half years between 2003-2006.
"Rosberg is not an easy horse to train so we had to tweak him a bit, like we did so successfully with Singing Poet last year," said the Frenchman.
"He's had his fair share of problems, and injuries, but he has overcome them.
"He's still growing mentally and he's got a lot of class. He's by AP Indy and out of Boshra Sham, you can't find a better breeding than that."
Excellent breeding
Charpy also revealed that all being well with Rosberg he will 'run at the Carnival'.
"I think there's a lot more to come from him," he said.
Meanwhile, Royston Ffrench completed a three-timer courtesy of Marriaj, Otranto and Celtic King in the Dubal Stakes, Dubal Casthouse Trophy and Dubal Plate.
The first two winners were for French's retaining trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
The British jockey said: "It was a great night, and I do love riding here. Long may it continue." National trainer Musabah Al Muhairi was also in fine form sending out the first two finishers in the Dubal Trophy with Sahara Sphinx and Liwa.
Enjoying life
Gillian Duffield also trained a one-two owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, in the opening Dubal Cup for Purebred Arabians.
Markoom led home Sharakka in the 1,600 metre handicap, although victory was not as smooth as it should have been for jockey Rory Cleary, whose mount jumped near the winning post.
"He jumped over some footprints - he's a quite a character," said the delighted Duffield, who is well known for her exploits with three-times Dubai Kahayla Classic winner Madjani.
Commenting on her stable star, Duffield added: "He's cantering and in great form at the moment. He's really enjoying life."
