Across the world Saturday treble

There were three winners for Qatar Racing on Saturday, including a first double at Flemington in Australia.

First up was the 4-year-old filly Dulverton who followed up her victory on her previous start when winning a mile handicap for trainer Robert Smerdon and jockey Brandon Stockdale. Dulverton went from last to first in the straight with an impressive burst down the outside, ultimately registering her fifth career success comfortably, and she looks destined for better things.

Completing the double Down Under was 4-year-old Portman, who won a seven-furlong handicap for trainer Danny O'Brien (who shares the gelding with Qatar Racing) and jockey Craig Williams. Portman sat fourth in the 10-runner field before cruising to the front a furlong and a half out. He ultimately won with a bit more in hand than the length winning margin, and this was the fourth win of his career.

The hat-trick was completed by the David Simcock-trained Soul Silver, who landed a mile handicap for fillies at Newbury. Only four went to post in the end after two non-runners, but Soul Silver showed a good attitude to wear down the long-time leader Lincoln Rocks who had won a Listed race on her previous start.

There was also a near-miss for Ger Lyons-trained 2-year-old filly Ball Girl, who went agonisingly close to making a winning debut at Gowran. She was green in the race and should come on plenty for the run, so hopefully she can make amends next time.