Jungle Cat Pounces In Nad Al Sheba

Out of luck in the first two races Godolphin struck for the first time on Super Saturday when Jungle Cat (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) proved too good for the favourite Ertijaal (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Amazingly, only Ertijaal came between Godolphin having the first seven home in the six furlong condition event which appeared to confirm the belief that the runner up is best at the minimum trip, while the winner was the second horse of the evening to break a course record.

The field split up into two groups with Ertijaal leading the charge on the stands' side and he held a definite advantage over the chasing pack two furlongs from home. He could never assert however and he began to look vulnerable as they approached the furlong pole as William Buick began to build up momentum on Jungle Cat. The winner hit top gear 100m from home and put impressive daylight between himself and the rest as Ertijaal just clung on to second from Top Score (GB) (Hard Spun). Trainer Charlie Appleby said, “We knew to keep him close to pace and that he does his best work in the final 100 metres. That was impressive today. Fair play to William, he chose the horse. Jungle Cat is a hardened campaigner, he's danced the dance, and hopefully he'll head to Dubai World Cup night and be another player again. There's always going to be plenty of pace in the Al Quoz Sprint, I think this is his trip now.”

Jungle Cat won the Nad Al Sheba 12 months ago en route to finishing fourth in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night last year. He then enjoyed a successful British campaign that included a win at Haydock and a second in the G3 Betway Criterion S. at Newmarket in July before kicking off the 2018 Carnival with a win in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort on Feb. 1. William Buick is looking forward to renewing the partnership on Mar. 31 and said, “He's won really well. The form of the Fahidi Fort was franked and it worked out perfectly for him. Ertijaal is a tough nut to crack, we know that well, but at this trip we know Jungle Cat's got the speed and the stamina. Last year in the Al Quoz the ground was soft, that's what he doesn't want, and I think he's a better horse than he's ever been. If the ground stays quick, I think he's a serious contender.”