LAH TI DAR made her backers sweat before justifying odds of 1-3 in the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Stakes.
Considering that Lord Andrew and Lady Madeleine Lloyd-Webber’s filly had suffered the only defeat of her career when second in last September’s St Leger over an extended mile and three-quarters, connections were taking a chance in stepping her back to 10 furlongs for her return.
And Lah Ti Dar looked in trouble when Ryan Moore and Rawdaa appeared to be travelling every bit as strongly as the market leader entering the final quarter mile.
But Lah Ti Dar responded to Frankie Dettori’s urgings to deliver for her backers with a neck supremacy.
“She definitely opened my lungs!” said a relieved Dettori.
“A mile and a quarter is on the short side - the others had more zap than her - and we were a bit rusty but the last 100 yards was where she got on top.
“She’s tough and the step up to a mile and a half will be the next step.”
The 12 furlong assignment next on Lah Ti Dar’s to-do list is the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on May 31.
“That’s a bit short for her, a mile and a quarter, but she got the job done and she goes for the Coronation Cup next,” confirmed winning trainer John Gosden.
