Eventually Dark Saffron will bring over some more believers, at least for the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).
Racing for owner Sultan Ali and trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash, Kentucky-bred Dark Saffron captured the $2 million Golden Shaheen for a second year in a row. And, despite last year's success, both wins were upset victories with Saturday's score returning $48.80 in United States pari-mutuel pools.
This time around, Dark Saffron's upset score was delivered over Bentornato, who was sent off the favorite in his first start since winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar. After tracking from third or fourth on the inside under Jose Ortiz, Bentornato swung out into the clear for the stretch run but could not seriously threaten Dark Saffron, who prevailed by 1 3/4 lengths. Cats by Five finished third.
First to break the line from barrier 11, Dark Saffron argued the pace outside of 2024 winner Tuz, as Bentornato was forced to rate just in behind Tuz. In the stretch, Dark Saffron, who entered off a runner-up finish in the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3) last month at Meydan, found plenty in reserve under jockey Connor Beasley.
"Obviously he won this race last year and he come back and run really well, it was a bit of a workout first time he ran this season," Beasley said. "Then he had a bit of an incident in the stalls and banged his head and sort of lost his way. I think he lost a bit of confidence for his next three or four runs, but his last run we felt he was coming back to himself."
Trainer Jose D'Angelo said starting from post position 2 hampered Bentornato.
"I think the post position cost us the race," D'Angelo said. "It's the first time that we've seen him running in behind the speed. We have plenty of races and, of course, the ultimate goal is the Breeders' Cup again. We'll give him time as always and be ready for that."
Dark Saffron joins the likes of Caller One and Mind Your Biscuits as back-to-back winners of the Dubai Golden Shaheen, which serves as a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In qualifier for this year's Breeders' Cup Sprint at Keeneland.
The two victories in the 1,200-meter (about 6-furlong) Golden Shaheen are the lone stakes wins for Dark Saffron, a 4-year-old son of Flameaway . Beasley and Harmash teamed to sweep the sprints on the Dubai World Cup card as they also scored an upset victory with Native Approach in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) on the turf.
Bred by Brookdale Farm, Dark Saffron is one of six winners from seven starters for the stakes-winning Military mare Meadow Saffron.
Dark Saffron sold twice in the United States before being sent to the Middle East for his career debut. Racoon Racing went to $25,000 to land Dark Saffron at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was consigned by Brookdale Sales. As a juvenile, he then sold for $120,000 to his current connections at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training where he was consigned by Julie Davies.
Flameaway stands for $10,000 at Darby Dan Farm near Lexington.
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