Miler Eastern World Sprints His Way To Mahab Al Shimaal Glory

[Wandering Eyes]

In his previous 14 starts, the 5-year-old Eastern World (Ire) (Dubawi (Ire)), best known as the little brother of dual Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet (Aus)), had never raced under seven furlongs and had done his best work over a mile.

In the Super Saturday finale, the Ahmad bin Harmish-trained gelding rewarded his astute trainer and promising jockey Ray Dawson when taking the six-furlong G3 Mahab Al Shimaal. Showing plenty of tactical speed, Eastern World and Dawson tracked the French-trained pacesetter Manjeer (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}). When angled out for a clear run in the long Meydan straight, Dawson got the response he asked for as Eastern World edged clear from the brave Manjeer. Ejtilaab (Ire) (Slade Power (Ire)) stayed on well to pick up third prize. Eastern World, who started his racing career in Charlie Appleby's Godolphin stable and changed hands at the Racing In Dubai Sale last September, covered the new distance for him in 1:11.14.

Dawson, who has never lost a race when riding for bin Harmish, enthusiastically praised Eastern World afterwards and played a role in the decision to try him over a shorter trip.

“After his last race (when eighth behind Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) in the 9.5 furlong G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 on February 4), Ahmad told me we should try him over shorter,” said Dawson, who was picking up his biggest win at Meydan. “I told him I've been thinking the same thing. We know he has lots of early speed and we know he'll stay. He's a super horse. Very genuine.”

Eastern World, whose previous two wins had come versus lesser company over a mile, may have rejuvenated his career as a sprinter. His next target is undecided and the international cast who will contest the G1 Golden Shaheen in three weeks may be beyond his grasp.

Pedigree notes

A Godolphin homebred, Eastern World, in addition to being Thunder Snow's half-brother, also has Group 3 winners Ihtimal (Ire) (Shamardal) and First Victory (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), and Listed winners Always Smile (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Winter Lightning (Ire) (Shamardal) among his talented siblings. Their dam is the French provincial winner Eastern Joy (GB) (Dubai Destination), a half-sister to the G1 Prix de Diane winner West Wind (GB) (Machiavellian). Eastern World's aforementioned half-sister First Victory is now the dam of leading Classic contender Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of last season's G3 Autumn S.

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