Mostahdaf world class performance to win Prince Of Wales’ Stakes
Mostahdaf delivered an outstanding performance to claim a highly competitive Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the five-year-old had previously triumphed in a major race in Saudi Arabia before displaying great potential in the Dubai Sheema Classic, where he finished strongly behind the Japanese superstar Equinox.
Despite the presence of notable contenders like Adayar, Bay Bridge, and Luxembourg, Mostahdaf was somewhat overlooked in the buildup to the race.
Under the guidance of jockey Jim Crowley, Mostahdaf patiently held his position in the early stages as Luxembourg and the American challenger Classic Causeway battled for the lead. Approaching the home straight, Crowley found himself perfectly positioned to make his move.
With the race intensifying, Mostahdaf effortlessly surged ahead, leaving his rivals behind and crossing the finish line with an impressive four-length lead paying +1000 with the top racing betting sites.
The victory marked John Gosden’s third win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes over the past decade and his fifth overall, but it was the first time he achieved this feat alongside his son Thady.
2023 Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – Mostahdaf
Reflecting on Mostahdaf’s performance, John Gosden expressed his astonishment at the horse’s acceleration, noting that while he expected a strong finish, he did not anticipate such dominance. Gosden praised Mostahdaf’s affinity for firm ground, stating that the horse excelled under such conditions.
Discussing future plans, Gosden revealed that the Eclipse Stakes would be too soon for Mostahdaf, as he preferred to give the horse time to recover.
Instead, he mentioned the Juddmonte International as the ideal target, highlighting Mostahdaf’s preference for running fresh. Gosden humorously remarked that as they age, both he and the horse no longer possessed the ability to bounce back quickly after a night out on the town.
Check out our Royal Ascot Day 3 betting preview here.
Gosden also paid tribute to Sheikha Hissa, who took charge of the Shadwell operation after the passing of her father, Sheikh Hamdan. He praised her for streamlining the program and bringing everything together.
Gosden acknowledged the presence of Sheikha Hissa and her husband at the event, mentioning their recent marriage. He commended Sheikha Hissa’s remarkable achievements, which included victories with Baaeed the previous year and now Mostahdaf, a horse with potential to become a successful stallion at stud.