Elwateen Shines on Debut: A Future Star in the Making for Saeed bin Suroor

In a race that had racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, Saeed bin Suroor's newest prospect, Elwateen, made a spectacular debut at Kempton on Wednesday. This two-year-old filly, already held in high esteem by her seasoned trainer, showcased her potential in a thrilling race that could mark the beginning of an illustrious career.

A Promising Start

Elwateen, sired by the legendary Dubawi and out of the Group One-winning mare Tawkeel, was the clear favorite going into the race. With Kevin Stott in the saddle, the filly lived up to the expectations, holding off a strong challenge from George Boughey's Orchid to secure a one-length victory. Archie Watson's Del Ray, who had a disappointing run in the Star Stakes, managed to reclaim some form by finishing third, further validating the quality of Elwateen’s win.

Saeed bin Suroor 🤝 @Shadwell_EU

🔵⚪️ Elwateen (Dubawi) is out of G1 scorer Tawkeel & does the business nicely on debut at @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/Wf59PsQhdK

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 14, 2024

 

Trainer’s High Hopes

Bin Suroor, who is no stranger to nurturing top-class talent, was full of praise for the young filly. "She's a nice filly, always I like her. For a two-year-old, she has always shown some class in the morning when she works," he told Racing TV after the race. Despite winning impressively, Bin Suroor believes Elwateen was only at 80% of her potential on the day, indicating that there’s much more to come from this promising juvenile.

Eyeing the Future

Elwateen holds an entry for the prestigious Group One bet365 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket on October 11, a race that could further cement her status as a leading contender in her division. However, Bin Suroor is taking a measured approach, stating, "We'll see how she comes back after the race and make a decision with Sheikha Hissa." He emphasized the importance of patience and careful management to ensure Elwateen’s long-term success.

 

 The possibility of Elwateen being aimed at the Guineas next year has also been floated, with Bin Suroor hinting that the filly could be a strong contender if she continues to develop. Additionally, a trip to Dubai could be on the cards, depending on how she progresses.

 

A Nod to the Past

While Bin Suroor is primarily known for his work with Godolphin, Elwateen’s victory was particularly special as she was racing in the Shadwell colors of Sheikha Hissa. These are the same colors that adorned his 1999 Dubai World Cup winner, Almutawakel. When asked to compare Elwateen to Mawj, his 1000 Guineas heroine from last year, Bin Suroor noted, "Mawj showed plenty of speed, but this filly is for seven furlongs or a mile. Maybe in the future, she could go further, but she seems a nice filly."

Jockey's Seal of Approval

Kevin Stott, who piloted Elwateen to victory, was equally impressed with her professionalism and determination. "She's done everything very professionally there. She's obviously very well-bred, and when the penny dropped a furlong and a half out, she proper put her head down and galloped all the way to the line," Stott remarked. He also acknowledged the tactical challenge during the race, adding, "The second probably got a length or two on me while I had to wait for the cut-out rail, but I was always comfortable. Saeed likes her a lot."

As the racing world watches closely, Elwateen's journey has just begun, but the signs are already pointing towards a bright and successful career. With her first victory under her belt, the sky's the limit for this exciting new talent.