Shuruq shines in G2 Al Maktoum Challenge

Elusive Quality’s filly Shuruq, owned by Godolphin, certainly didn’t look like a filly running against colts at Meydan on January 9. The four-year-old was extremely impressive when winning the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1, her second win in a Group event from 10 career starts.

Shuruq broke alertly but was then allowed to relax near the back of the pack by jockey Silvestre De Sousa. In a race with moderate early fractions, Shuruq led the field home one tenth of a second off the course record for the one-mile feature on opening carnival night at the Dubai racetrack.

A Darley homebred, Shuruq is the first foal out of G2 winner Miss Lucifer (FR). Shuruq has now won three times, placed second twice and placed third twice. Her past performances also include a win last year at Meydan in the G3 UAE Oaks and also shows a third in the G3 Atalanta Stakes in Great Britain.

Elusive Quality continues to be a resource for performers at the highest level, on all surfaces, and on all continents. His 31 other career Group or Graded performers include Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Darley sire Raven's Pass, Australian champion Sepoy, and multiple European G1 winner Elusive Kate.

Elusive Quality stands for a fee of $50,000 life foal, stands and nurses.