Dubai

The UAE Oaks (G3), UAE Derby (G2) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) have emerged as possible targets for the exciting Polar River following her pulsating victory in the UAE 1,000 Guineas at Meydan Racecourse yesterday evening.

Ridden with the highest respect by Pat Dobbs, the three-year-old daughter of Kentucky stallion Congrats looked in a league of her own as she coasted to a 13 length victory over Godolphin’s Promising Run, the filly that she beat in almost similar fashion in the Guineas Trial three weeks ago.

A bargain $20,000 (Dh74,300) purchase at Keeneland, Polar River broke well and tracked the leading pair of Dolly Dagger (Fernando Jara) and Promising Run (James Doyle) for most of the 1600 metre trip before being pushed to lead two furlongs from home.

Once in the clear, Polar River displayed her trademark acceleration to leave the rest of the field high and dry for another dominant victory. With yesterday’s win she took her unbeaten record to three races, all of which she has won at a staggering total of 31 1/4 lengths.

“I always knew she was special and we are absolutely thrilled with what we saw today,” said trainer Doug Watson.

“She keeps improving all the time. Pat said she was a bit green today but once she got in the clear she showed what a wonderful turn of foot she has. She has a great attitude and has given us something to look forward to.”

Watson, who also paid Polar River the ultimate tribute by describing her as the best horse he has ever trained in a career spanning over two decades, did not need much prompting to discuss what the future holds for the exceptional filly.

“Obviously the UAE Oaks (March 3) will be the next race for her,” he said. “If she were to do well in that and win I’m pretty sure we’d get an invite to the UAE Derby (March 26). It’s still up in the air, but we would like to think that she’s a Kentucky Oaks (May 7) horse. But we’ll have to wait and see how she performs in her next two outings over here at Meydan.

Amazing ability

“If you’ve seen a filly called Songbird, who’s in the Oaks, you’d be pretty amazed with her ability. So to take her on would be some something else,” he added.

“But I would hate to hold her back and keep her here during the summer because, like I said, she’s something special and she deserves to compete at a higher level in America. So hopefully we can get her over there, probably to Kiaran [McLaughlin], or some other trainer.

“I will only train her here but it’s been an absolute pleasure, she is without a doubt the best horse that I have ever trained. It’s such a privilege.”

Songbird, who is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, is unbeaten in five starts, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland last October.

See also C5