News Gold Town sparks Kentucky Derby dream after Meydan romp

Gold Town sparks Kentucky Derby dream after Meydan romp

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Gold Town created fireworks on the track after leaving his rivals trailing in his wake in the UAE 2000 Guineas at Meydan.

The Charlie Appleby-trained son of Street Cry capped a fine night for the Godolphin team when turning the Group Three feature into a procession, adding to his victory in a trial three weeks ago.

After winning the early battle for the lead, the 4-11 favourite pulled clear before crossing the line an eased-down 10 and half lengths clear of runner-up Gotti.

Appleby said: "William (Buick) was as impressed riding him as we were visually watching him.

"Once he got in the lead, I always felt it would be a pretty straightforward assignment. I was confident the further this horse goes the further he was going to win."

Regarding future plans, he told Racing UK: "We will hopefully try and get the UAE Derby out the way first as we will be taking on a different kettle of fish there. If we were lucky enough to win a UAE Derby, that (Kentucky Derby) would potentially be a logical step."

Best Solution (6-5 favourite), winner of last year's Lingfield Derby Trial and St Simon Stakes, earned a step back up in class after initiating a double for trainer Saeed Bin Suroor with a five-length success in the Jaguar F-Type Handicap.

Wining jockey Pat Cosgrave said: "I think Best Solution needed the run on his first start of the season last month.

"I think the plan will be to go for the Group Two Dubai City Of Gold on Super Saturday (March 10)."

Don't Give Up (11-10) completed the Newmarket handler's brace when becoming his 12th winner of this year's Dubai Carnival in the Land Rover Discovery Handicap.

Christophe Soumillon was the successful pilot, and s aid: "T he distance is perfect for him and the surface is great, too. He is still a bit green, so it looks like we have some improvement to come."

Charlie Fellowes praised the skills of jockey James Doyle after Prince Of Arran (100-30) provided him with the most lucrative victory of his career to date when prevailing by a short head in the Range Rover Sport Handicap.

Fellowes said: "James felt the brakes went on when he hit the front and it may not hurt to put some cheekpieces on him. He is tough and has done it well.

"He is a fantastic jockey and when I knew he was available it was a pretty easy decision to make. To have a winner like this on a fantastic setting is great.

"He has got to be invited to the Dubai Gold Cup. I'm hoping he will be as that's the aim."

The Denis Coakley-trained Hors De Combat (5-1) gained his first victory in almost four years when claiming the concluding Jaguar E-Pace Handicap under Oisin Murphy.