The Meydan winning post came a stride too soon for Aspectoflove in the Group Three Cape Verdi Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors at Meydan on Friday, February 5.
The fast-finishing filly was forced to accept the runner-up berth in the 11-runner mile contest on turf rated good to firm.
Aspectoflove was fresh for her first start since winning a Naas Listed race in October, breaking smartly from the gate and racing with a degree of exuberance through the first half-furlong.
Frankie Dettori restrained his mount and, having found suitable cover, settled the Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly in midfield.
Aspectoflove travelled smoothly off the home turn and was asked for an effort with under a quarter of a mile remaining.
Switched wide to challenge, the four-year-old drifted right before straightening up and quickening markedly.
Aspectoflove made rapid progress inside the distance but narrowly failed to overhaul the victorious Soneva, who scored by a swiftly-diminishing neck in a time of 1m 38.40s.
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Aspectoflove has run a huge race but she didn’t have any luck in running tonight.
“Hopefully, she will get better luck next time out. We will look at finding another Group race for her.”