Devil takes top honors in Guineas, Etched fourth

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum's HONOUR DEVIL (Honour and Glory) upstaged Godolphin's hitherto unbeaten Etched (Forestry) in Thursday's $250,000 U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) at Nad al Sheba. The Mike De Kock trainee held off a spirited late charge from stablemate Royal Vintage (Rich Man's Gold) by a half-length at the wire, with Etched beaten a total of six lengths back in fourth. An Argentinean-bred four-year-old, Honour Devil completed about one mile on the fast track in a sharp 1:34 4/5 to remain undefeated from three lifetime starts. His final time tied the stakes record, set by Bachir in the inaugural running in 2000.

Honour Devil was forwardly placed throughout by John Murtagh. After vying for the early lead through the opening quarter, the bay colt raced in a close tracking position until the top of the stretch. Etched was never far back in the early going, settling just off the pace with Frankie Dettori. Turning for home, he began to come under pressure, and the proverbial handwriting was on the wall as he was unable to stay in contention.

By this point, Honour Devil had taken command, but Royal Vintage emerged as a serious challenger on the outside. Although the South African-bred closer appeared full of run, Honour Devil kept finding more over the course of the long straight. The nearer Royal Vintage came, the more Honour Devil knuckled down. As the De Kock pair approached the line, it was clear that the game Honour Devil would prevail.

"Honour Devil just doesn't know when to lay down," said De Kock, who was celebrating a memorable birthday. "But take nothing away from the runner-up who hadn't run for 257 days and did not have the best draw (13)."

Royal Vintage was himself 3 3/4 lengths clear of Godolphin second-stringer My Indy (Indygo Shiner), who outfinished his more highly regarded comrade, Etched, by 1 3/4 lengths. While Etched could not cope with the surge of the De Kock duo and the persistence of My Indy, he still fared the best of the Northern Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds. He reported home 2 3/4 lengths clear of fellow sophomore Numaany (A.P. Indy), the least accomplished of the Godolphin trio. Next came Paveroc (Royal Applause [GB]), followed by Mutabayen (Doneraile Court), New Jersey (Statue of Liberty), Aquino (First American), Change Alley (Elusive Quality), Free Tussy (Freelancer), Siberian Tiger (Xaar), Choisky (Choisir), Ablaan (Sunday Break [Jpn]) and Toolittleyourlate (Harlan's Holiday). Palm Court (Green Desert) was scratched, along with the also-eligibles El Victory (Galileo [Ire]) and Katzrin (Observatory).

With the winner's windfall of $150,000, Honour Devil has now bankrolled $175,752. After rolling by five lengths in his career debut in Argentina last March, he was purchased by his current owner and transferred to De Kock. Honour Devil premiered for his new connections in a January 24 conditions race at Nad al Sheba and romped by 5 1/4 lengths.

Honour Devil was produced by the Fitzcarraldo mare Diamond Fitz, and he hails from the family of 1983 Louisiana Derby (G2) hero, Balboa Native (Native Royalty).

Honour Devil is set to pursue the same path as his outstanding stablemate, Asiatic Boy (Not for Sale). After capturing last year's Guineas, Asiatic Boy went on to triumph in the Al Bastakiya and the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2) to sweep the U.A.E. Triple Crown. Honour Devil will take the next step in the about nine-furlong Al Bastakiya on March 6, with the Derby to follow on March 29 at that same distance.