Dubawi’s Wild Illusion Makes All In the Nassau

[Wandering Eyes]

   Emulating Godolphin’s only prior winner of Goodwood’s G1 Nassau S., Zahrat Dubai (GB) (Unfuwain), ‘TDN Rising Star‘ Wild Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) came back from a mile and a half to make all under a tactical masterclass from William Buick and take Thursday’s Qatar-sponsored highlight by two lengths. Sending a clear signal with late fades when runner-up in the June 1 G1 Epsom Oaks and G2 Ribblesdale S. at Royal Ascot June 21, the 4-1 shot was allowed to use her lengthy stride on the rolling Sussex Downs and relished the experience, first cracking the disappointing 15-8 favourite Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and keeping up the gallop all the way to the line, where the July 1 G1 Pretty Polly S. winner Urban Fox (GB) (Foxwedge {Aus}) edged out Veracious (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for second by a short head. Rhododendron, who was in trouble a long way from home, trailed in last of the six runners to compound Ballydoyle’s current spell of ill fortune. “Perhaps she’s a bit quicker than we first thought,” Buick said. “In the Oaks, she got outstayed and it was the same at Royal Ascot. In both races, she travelled beautifully and it was very smooth today. She’s a high-quality filly and it was lovely to confirm it again. Charlie [Appleby] just said to get her into a rhythm and she pricked her ears in front and picked it up gradually. She has just been running over the wrong trip and on pedigree she is only going to progress.” Appleby added, “She was as well as she had been all season and although the quicker ground was a concern but it wasn’t as quick as at Ascot. Dropping back in trip was going to help and he used that stamina from a half mile out. I’m very fortunate to be in this position and everyone is enjoying a stellar season. This is where Godolphin should be.”

WILD ILLUSION (GB), f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire)
1st Dam: Rumh (Ger) (SW-Eng), by Monsun (Ger)
2nd Dam: Royal Dubai (Ger), by Dashing Blade (GB)
3rd Dam: Reem Dubai (Ire), by Nashwan
O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. £340,260. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Fr, 7-3-2-1, £680,498. *1/2 to Really Special (GB) (Shamardal), SW-Eng & SP-UAE, $108,180.

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