By Sean Cronin
5th-WDS, £4,600, Mdn, 9-4, 3yo, 11f 99yT, 2:38.27, g/s.
ROYAL LINE (GB) (c, 3, Dubawi {Ire}–Melikah {Ire} {SW & G1SP-Eng, G1SP-Ire, $125,309}, by Lammtarra), who sported the maroon-and-white silks most famously associated with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's palmarès, was the slowest of six into stride and remained in rear for most of this unveiling. Shoved along with a half-mile remaining, the 4-6 pick received one reminder at the three-furlong marker and surged clear once quickening to the front at the two pole to easily account for Lazarus (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) by a geared-down 2 3/4 lengths. The homebred chestnut is a son of G1 Epsom Oaks and G1 Irish Oaks placegetter Melikah (Ire) (Lammtarra), herself a product of storied blue hen Urban Sea (Miswaki), and is kin to a trio black-type winners headed by G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe third Masterstroke (Monsun {Ger}) and dual Irish Group 3 winner Moonlight Magic (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Melikah is also the granddam of G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano victor and G1 Jebel Hatta runner-up Vancouverite (GB) (Dansili {GB}), and has a 2-year-old filly by Dubawi (Ire) and a yearling colt by Dansili (GB) to come. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $3,855. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-HH Sheikha Al Jalila Racing; B-Darley (GB); T-John Gosden.
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