Measured Time scales new heights with G1 Jebel Hatta success

Measured Time continued his rapid ascent as he comfortably beat Ottoman Fleet to post a first G1 victory in the Jebel Hatta at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 26 January.

The half-brother to Rebel’s Romance had only started his career in February and was making his first top-level appearance after winning four of his five starts, including scoring decisively in December’s G2 Al Rashidiya.

After breaking on terms under William Buick, the Charlie Appleby-trained Measured Time settled in fourth behind Highland Avenue, Mawj and Silawi, with Ottoman Fleet held up at the rear of the nine runners.

Highland Avenue kicked on into an eight-length advantage with half a mile to race, before Mawj and Measured Time started to close on the leader turning into the straight. Mawj attempted to press Highland Avenue entering the final quarter-mile but was unable to challenge for the lead and faded before being eased by Oisin Murphy.

In contrast, Measured Time ran on to hit the front a furlong and a half from home and soon opened up two lengths over the field. Ottoman Fleet launched a late bid towards the centre of the course, with Measured Time finding more to prevail by a length and three-quarters in the nine-furlong turf highlight.

Charlie Appleby said: “Measured Time is a half-brother to Rebel’s Romance and we know what that horse has done over a mile and a half, which is why we went down that route at Kempton in November. William [Buick] said Measured Time felt numb in the hood that night, so we removed it and that has been the changing of him.

“The Dubai Turf was our pencilled-in plan coming into this evening. Master Of The Seas was due to go to America for the Pegasus Turf but, with Measured Time still coming through the grades, we decided not to send him with World Cup Night in mind.

“Now Measured Time has won his invitation, they will both go for the Dubai Turf. We know what Master Of The Seas is like around here – the trip will suit him – and I would rather have two darts than one.”

William Buick said: “I think Measured Time is very good – he has so much raw ability. It is not very often you see a horse that can travel and have such a high cruising speed as he does, while still being so strong at the end of a race as well.

“Today, he was much better in the preliminaries than he was in December, so that was a step forward. He is learning, and everything I am asking of him, he is understanding the objective.

“I think he will stay further and keep on improving. With Rebel’s Romance, it is a good family and hopefully this horse can reach the same levels.”