Darley stallions annexe G3 Nad al Sheba Trophy

First and third for Dubawi as Rare Rhythm flies home at Meydan ahead of Vazirabad (Manduro) and Sheikhzayedroad

Dubawi recorded a new Group winner in eye-catching fashion on Thursday, 1 March when his son Rare Rhythm absolutely flew down the Meydan straight to land the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

Charlie Appleby’s charge was settled just behind the early pace under William Buick in what was a steadily run race. Once the field entered the home straight, the contest effectively became a sprint and Rare Rhythm came with a superb late run that could not be matched by the hugely talented Vazirabad (Manduro), who finished a length and three quarters back in second. Seasoned campaigner Shekhzayedroad (who is also by Dubawi) put up yet another solid performance to take third.

Lightly raced, Rare Rhythm was unbeaten last year and rounded off his 2017 campaign with a convincing win in the Listed Silver Cup at York, having also won the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot. He will now be aimed at the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.

Rare Rhythm was bred by Highclere Stud and Floors Farming and is out of the Stakes-placed Singspiel mare Demisemiquaver. The mare is herself a half-sister to Group winner Miss Caerleona – dam of multiple Group winner and G1 performer Karen’s Caper. They hail from a family packed with high-class performers, including G1 winner Miss Satamixa and Godolphin’s three-time G1 heroine Blue Bunting.

Dubawi has now sired eight individual Black Type performers in 2018, including dual Group winner Benbatl. Last year, he sired an outstanding 23 Group winners – no fewer than eight of whom were victorious at G1 level.

Dubawi stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £250,000 October 1, Special Live Foal.