Ahmed Ajtebi exhibited a perfect sense of timing to produce Anmar with a swooping victory to deny stable companion Emirates Champion in the Ford Edge Trophy Handicap at Meydan on Friday, February 5.
The Saeed bin Suroor-trained four-year-old had triumphed over 10 furlongs on Kempton Park’s Polytrack on his previous start in November and he clearly relished the Tapeta surface, as well as the step up to a mile and three furlongs.
Held up at the rear of the 11-runner field, Anmar was switched wide off the final turn and unleashed a telling turn of foot that enabled the Rahy colt to take the lead in the closing stages for a length and three quarter success in a time of 2m 21.68s.
Emirates Champion raced closer to the pace in fourth under Ted Durcan. Ridden to hold his position approaching the final quarter mile, the Haafhd four-year-old responded gamely.
Under encouragement from his jockey, the lightly-raced chestnut gradually wore down the leader, having been switched to challenge down the inner, and only Anmar’s eye-catching late flourish denied him success.
Emirates Champion finished half a length in front of third-placed Monte Alto.
Saeed bin Suroor commented: “Anmar is a nice horse and has improved since last year. He is a horse I like.
“I am sure he will come on for this race and we will look at stepping him up in class next time.
“I was also delighted with Emirates Champion. This was his first run back this season and he will come on for the run.”
Ahmed Ajtebi said: “I was always going well and Anmar really picked up well.”