Dark Saffron collected his first stakes win in dramatic fashion in Saturday’s $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen S. (G2), besting Nakatomi by a neck after a heated battle in the final furlong.
The 3-year-old son of Flameaway was in the outside post in the field of 11,but made his way to the lead after the first furlong. The dark bay colt had things his own way until upper stretch, when several foes mounted a challenge. With tremendous effort, Dark Saffron was able to hold them all off, with just over a length separating the top four finishers.
“He’s got plenty of natural speed and it was probably a blessing being drawn out wide because I only had one option. The way he’s done it, it’s just fantastic,” said winning jockey Connor Beasley.
Dark Saffron earned millionaire status with the win. His earnings now stand at $1,260,616 for owner Sultan Ali. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Brookdale Farm.
Flameaway was also represented Saturday by Fast Flame, who won the Acadiana S. at Evangeline Downs. This was also the first stakes win for the 4-year-old filly, who is owned by WG Racing LLC and Sarpy Creek LLC and was bred by Donny & Angie Burton, Blanton & Perry, LLC, Joseph Burton & Ramona Rawson.
After the big weekend, Flameaway is now second on the Third-Crop Sire list, with over $2.1 million in progeny earnings.
