Article posted on -  2/23/2008 11:11:06 AM

Classy Lady

A STRING OF CLOSE PLACINGS KEEP STABLE TICKING ALONG

The Herman Brown stable continued his good form with a string of placings on the double header Dubai Carnival weekend in Dubai.

Brown opened his account a few weeks back with Linngari but the talented stallion prospect couldn't add another win to his already impressive record when slightly disappointing in only running 4th in the Al Fahidi Fort on Thursday night. Jockey Moore admitted that the horse was "flat" and he will likely enjoy his break between now and World Cup night where he will contest the Dubai Duty Free. "He pulled up well from the run and will now concentrate on his preparation for World Cup Night," said Brown post race.

Hard Top was also impressive in his runner-up position. "He ran a great race, beaten by probably the best stayer in Dubai, pulled up well and we will enter him for the 28th of February," commented Brown.

Grand Vista was a good second in the first race of the Friday night card earning his connections US$24 000. He was beaten only 1.25 lengths and shouldn't far from his first win. Classy Lady ran a commendable 5th in the listed Balanchine in a race that contained some talented fillies.

"She ran a respectable race but has pulled up a little short afterwards. We will now enter her for the Oaks, we will have to see over the next few days how she is and decide from there," said Brown.

Jay Peg returned to action for his second run in Dubai and ran an excellent 3rd over 1777m, returning to his earlier form. He was disappointing on his first effort in Dubai, but firmly reassured his supporters that he hasn't lost his grade 1 form from South Africa.

"The horse ran a much improved race but Ryan (Moore) feels that he is not trying his hardest and is running in snatches and has suggested that we put blinkers on the horse which we will try, we will enter him for the 28th of February," mentioned Brown about Jay Peg.

Brown scored a second and third with Alpacco and Diamond Quest in a 2000m race on the turf on Friday night. Alpacco fought gamely in a head bobbing duel over the final 200m of his race only to come off second best by a short head. His run was described as "fantastic" by his delighted trainer.

Diamond Quest was most impressive when running a cracker under top weight. He was far back and ran on like the good horse that he is. This was his second run after a career threatening injury which makes his comeback all the more commendable.

"I am very happy with him, he ran a good race, there was a little interference at the 200m mark and he probably still needed one more race. The horse has pulled up well," Brown commented.