The Group III Bet365 Classic Trial (1m2f) was run overnight at Sandown with Godolphin unearthing a serious Epsom Derby contender by Dubawi.
Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Arabian Crown had four starts last year for three easy wins that included victories in Listed and Group III company and he picked up where he left off.
He made all the running and strolled home to win by more than three lengths in a dominant display.
“Arabian Crown is a very uncomplicated horse and I think everyone will be pleased with that, I certainly was and it's quite testing out there. It's early in the season and they are entitled to improve. I would be as confident as you can be that he'll stay a mile and a half,” said William Buick.
Arabian Crown was subsequently cut to 6-1 (from 12s) for Epsom by Paddy Power.
A €600,000 purchase from the Arqana Deauville Yearling Sale for Godolphin, Arabian Crown is a half-brother to Group II winner The Juliet Rose and full brother to stakes-winner Everest Rose being the third stakes-winner among seven winners from outstanding stakes-winning producer Dubai Rose. It’s also the family of last Group I winning stayer Sea La Rosa and Group II winning stayer Deauville Legend, who was fourth in a Melbourne Cup.
Dubawi gave Godolphin their first ever win in the Epsom Derby back in 2018 when Masar took the prize.
