Dubawi's So Mi Dar Triumphs In Epsom's Investec Derby Trial

2nd-EPS, £50,000, Cond, 4-20, 3yo, 10f 18yT, 2:18.97, sf.

SO MI DAR (GB) (f, 3, Dubawi {Ire}–Dar Re Mi {GB} {Hwt. Older Mare-Eng at 11-14f, G1SW-Eng, Ire & UAE, GSW & G1SPFr, GISP-US, $4,359,112}, by Singspiel {Ire}), the sole distaffer in this field who gained a neck verdict going an extended eight panels at Windsor in her only prior start Oct. 20, broke well and was restrained in sixth after the initial stages of this Investec Derby Trial. Coming under pressure once rounding Tattenham Corner to challenge wide passing the quarter-mile marker, the 3-1 second choice led with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and, with jockey Frankie Dettori losing his whip in the straight, was pushed out in the closing stages to safely hold the late thrust of Humphrey Bogart (Ire) (Tagula {Ire) for another neck success. “She was a little gassy so Frankie dropped her out and settled her in and we are delighted with her,” said trainer John Gosden. “She came there nicely, but then Frankie threw his whip away three out which was a very good idea as I did not want him to hit her. She took up the running well, but was idling in front, which I took as a good sign, and he rode her out hands and heels. We are thrilled with her and came here to see how she would handle the track. She has handled it well and, with a bit of luck, we will go to the [May 11 G3] Musidora [S. at York], and then hopefully come back here for the [June 3 G1] Investec Oaks. The ground was soft enough today and she will be betteron better ground.” Owner's representative Simon Marsh added, “We had hoped she would be an above-average filly and up to Oaks class, but you never know until they do it on the track. It was a very exciting victory and, hopefully, we can now get to the Oaks. So Mi Dar is very much like her grandmother, Darara, who won the Prix Vermeille and I don't see why she should not go on any ground, barring extremes.” The homebred bay is a half-sister to De Treville (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), MGSP-Fr, $112,069. Her MG1SW dam is a daughter of the G1 Prix Vermeille scorer Darara (Ire) (Top Ville {Ire}), herself a half-sister to G1 Prix du Jockey Club victor Darshaan (GB). The winner is kin to a 2-year-old colt by Frankel (GB) and a yearling filly by Dubawi (Ire). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $50,019. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

O-Lord Lloyd-Webber; B-Watership Down Stud (GB); T-John Gosden.