Mensoora 3rd in the Gr3 UAE Oaks

Mensoora, a daughter of Jet Master, picked up the first GR placing of her short career when finishing a distant third behind the impressive Shamardal filly, Ihtimal. Mensoora previously finished a 3 length 6th in a SAf Gr1 and an 8 length 5th in a UAE Gr2.

The pace looked decidely moderate in the UAE Oaks which didn't help Mensoora as she turned for home in last place, but she managed to pass most of the field down the straight to get that third spot.

Variety Club takes the Gr3 Firebreak Stakes

Twice Horse-of-the-Year Variety Club broke the course record (unofficial) on his Dubai debut when easily accounting for the field in the $200 000 Firebreak Stakes over a mile. This was his first start since 8 June 2013, and his first start on a non-turf surface.

This win take his career record to 15 wins from 20 starts.

Surprise 3rd by Zambucca in the Gr2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2

Having only his second start for new trainer Satish Seemar since leaving South Africa, and in his first start on the all-weather surface, Zambucca finished a comfortable third in the Gr2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, a prep race for the Dubai World Cup.

Zambucca ran a few decent races at the top level in South Africa, notably a 2.25 length 4th in the SA Derby, a 2.50 length 5th in the Summer Cup, and a 1.55 length 5th in the Horse Chestnut Stakes. Overall though, he only managed a single win (Gr2 Victory Moon Stakes) and no other top three places in 10 attempts at GR level in South Africa.

At 106, only two of the 15 opponents he faced tonight were lower rated, so this was a very good effort on Zambucca's part, despite being well beaten by the first two home.