TDN RISING STARS

August 7, 2009 - NEWMARKET, Race , Mdn, GBP £8,000, 7f, 15.4000, gd/sf

Al Zir, C, 2009, by Medaglia d'Oro

1st Dam: Bayou Plans (MSW, $309,229), by Bayou Hebert
2nd Dam: Better Plans, by Architect
3rd Dam: Fact Or Fancy, by In Reality

Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc
Trainer: T-Saeed bin Suroor

Al Zir--who sold for $1.6 million as a FTFFEB juvenile, having RNA'd as a $325,000 KEESEP yearling--carried a substantial amount of support to post and after contracting to 13-8 was allowed to start a shade longer at 15-8. Awkward out of the stalls, that was Frankie Dettori's only minor moment of concern as the imposing bay soon had control at the head of affairs. As the smooth-traveling Awesome Act (Awesome Again) emerged as his sole threat, Al Zair opened up with a shake of the reins and powered away up the rising ground without any need for the whip. At the line, where he was being geared down, he had four lengths to spare over that rival with a further 3 1/4 lengths separating the runner-up the well-regarded 5-2 second choice Munsarim (Ire) (Shamardal). The winner is a half to Midas Eyes (Touch Gold), GISW-US, $616,528; and Bayou's Lassie (Outflanker), MGSW, $707,227. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, £5,181.