Smart Winner for Pride of Dubai

Talented gelding Tanker (3g Pride of Dubai x Calcatta, by Tale of The Cat) was the first Australian stakes-winner for his sire when winning the Listed MRC Debutant Stakes last year and bounced back to his best form to win at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Tanker was gelded at the end of his juvenile season after failing to deliver on his early potential, but has made a gradual return to form this preparation and relished the 1600m of this assignment.

He led for home and was strong to the line to win by nearly three lengths.

“He’s showing that he wants ground. I thought he raced like he would get a little bit further, so we can have a look now and see what’s coming up,” said David Eustace.

Consigned by his breeder, Ian Smith's Edinburgh Park Stud, to the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Tanker was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $170,000 and runs for a big syndicate with Edinburgh Park retaining a small share.

He is a half-brother to stakes-winner Lady Naturaliste being the best of three winners from stakes-winning Tale of the Cat (SA) mare Calcatta, who died last year.

Tanker is the eighth winner this season for Pride of Dubai, who stands at a fee of $38,500 this spring.