Godolphin horses continued their dazzling form at Newmarket racecourse as the promising star Al Hudaybah snatched the Group 2 Superlative Stakes title on the final day of the July Cup festival. Al Hudaybah joins a long line of Godolphin stars carrying the royal blue silks, a roster that includes illustrious names such as Dubawi, Master of the Seas, and Native Trail.
Al Hudaybah, trained by Charlie Appleby, entered the race on the back of two victories at Newmarket — one on the Rowley Mile and another on the July course — although the Dark Angel colt had previously shown some signs of immaturity when he unseated jockey Tom Marquand during his second start at Yarmouth.
Al Hudaybah settled at the rear of the seven-strong field, benefiting from cover, before gradually making his move as jockey William Buick steered him to the outside track entering the final quarter mile. He burst powerfully between Notable Dream and Abraham Lincoln past the final furlong marker, before drifting towards the outside rail, which allowed Abraham Lincoln to advance. However, the Godolphin colt regained his balance in the closing metres to pounce at the finish line, winning in a time of 1:24.29 minutes by a short head, with Pikachu finishing third.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Al Hudaybah has tremendous talent. William told me he was relaxed in the early stages and felt it was only a matter of how far he would win by, before the horse began to drift and lose his straightness. I was confident he would catch the leader once he refocused, given the great ability he possesses. We may need to add some headgear to help him concentrate. We will head to the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, and I think the Curragh surface will suit him."
Jockey William Buick said: "Al Hudaybah shows tremendous ability at home. I wasn't sure we had won, and I would have been hugely disappointed had he lost, because he put in a brilliant performance despite everything he faced. His drift behind Abraham Lincoln cost him some momentum, yet he still managed to win, and I believe his true level is better than what the result reflects."
In the feature race of the final day, the Bostia Equeworld Dubai July Cup (Group 1), the horse Commanche Brave claimed the title under jockey Billy Loughnane and trainer Donnacha O'Brien, recording a time of 1:09.99 minutes, winning by a length from Venetian Sun, with Satono Reve finishing third.