Flameaway’s Dark Saffron Makes History in Dubai Golden Shaheen

[Wandering Eyes]

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — In the history of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen dating back to 1996, no 3-year-old had ever succeeded in defeating their elders in the 1200-meter dash. Only two Northern Hemisphere-bred sophomores had even tried. That all changed in the space of 71 seconds and some change under the Saturday night lights at Meydan, as DARK SAFFRON (c, 3, Flameaway–Meadow Saffron, by Military) busted away from the outside stall and made every yard a winning one, holding off Nakatomi (Firing Line) and a desperately unlucky defending champion Tuz (Oxbow) to cause a major upset. Able to gain a run in the Golden Shaheen after winning a course-and-distance allowance Mar. 14, the $25,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $120,000 OBS April breezer hit the ground running and was able to make the lead, outsprinting the fleet defending champion and American Stage (Into Mischief), while Straight No Chaser (Speightster) was outfooted, appeared to resent the kickback and effectively lost all chance in the first 200 meters. Dark Saffron continued to show the way into the straight hounded along by American Stage, as Tuz–under heavy urging from Tadhg O'Shea–was nevertheless boxing on bravely inside. While he was able to sneak through underneath Don Frankie (Jpn) en route to the victory 12 months ago, there was no such good fortune this time around for Tuz and O'Shea, who attempted to thread the needle, but was denied that access and was steadied. In the meantime, Nakatomi was pinching ground from behind down the outside, but Dark Saffron would not lay down and went on to a narrow victory. Tuz was exceptionally brave in third, with Kurojishi Joe (Jpn) (Furioso {Jpn}) best of the Japanese in fourth. The Dubai Golden Shaheen was contested for the first time as a 'Win and You're In' event for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Sales history: $25,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $120,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 8-3-2-2. O-Mr Sultan Ali; B-Brookdale Farm LLC (KY); T-Ahmad bin Harmash.

 

DARK SAFFRON pulls a huge upset at 65-1 in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (GI) @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup Challenge Series race. The 3YO gelded son of Flameaway (@darbydanfarm) is trained by Ahmad bin Harmash and @connorbeasley9 was up.

Next https://t.co/k1nMRaVGNQ pic.twitter.com/mHOLtMZ5gX

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 5, 2025

The post Flameaway’s Dark Saffron Makes History in Dubai Golden Shaheen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article