UAE Derby features north vs. south matchup
The Group 2 UAE Derby is a rare 3-year-old feature that allows for a clash between those bred in both hemispheres.
It is generally dominated by those from the northern hemisphere, to be expected in a 1,900-meter dirt contest, about 1 3/16 miles. But four of the last seven renewals of the UAE Derby at the old Nad Al Sheba course were won by horses bred in South Africa, Brazil and Argentina. The first Meydan UAE Derby in 2010 also was won by a southerner, the Australian-bred South African Group 1 winner Musir.
Since then, though, it has been a dry run for the older 3-year-olds with another Australian-bred South African Group 1 winner, the filly Mahbooba, the only placegetter from below the equator.
This year, three South American-bred horses will line up for trainer Julio Olascoaga in Argentine colts Auto Bahn and Oasis Boy and Uruguayan Group 1 runner-up Rock Walk.
Auto Bahn and Oasis Boy, both sons of 2007 UAE Derby winner Asiatic Boy, both have raced twice for Olascoaga, and Rock Walk makes his Middle East debut on Saturday.
“Auto Bahn has done really well this year and always surprises us,” he said. “He looks fitter now after his last run and has improved with every run.
“Oasis Boy, we were expecting a lot better from him in the Saudi Derby but the track and the trip didn't suit. We gave him some time to recover and he is in much better shape now.
“As for Rock Walk, he came from Uruguay earlier this year where he finished second to Triple Crown winner Ever Daddy in his last run. That is one of only two Group 1 races in Uruguay and was over a mile and a half. He has had a tough season already but has a lot of ability and I think he can run well.”
Just like Auto Bahn and Oasis Boy, who wear the same Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum silks that have been victorious four times before, both Henry Adams and Navy Seal will carry variations of colours sported by a previous winner, in this case, Derrick Smith’s purple and white also worn by Mendelssohn in 2018.
“The two younger horses in the UAE Derby are taking the experience well,” said Ballydoyle’s Pat Keating. “Henry Adams is a nice big horse, the dirt might suit him, and Navy Seal can be better for his run first-up.”