Million dollar yearling Al Zir began repaying his purchase price with a four-length victory on debut at Newmarket on Friday.  The newcomer is trained by Saeed bin Suroor and was always travelling like a winner under Frankie Dettori.

Al Zir (2c Medaglia d’Oro – Bayou Plans by Bayou Hebert) was a US$1.6 million buy for Sheikh Mohammed at the Fasig-Tipton 2yo Sale at Calder on March 3.

Within weeks of buying the colt, Sheikh Mohammed purchased his sire Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado) from Stonewall Farm.  A G1 winner as a three, four and five year-old in the Travers St, Whitney Hcp and Donn Hcp, Medaglia d’Oro is the sire of champion filly Rachel Alexandra.

Al Zir was offered by Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables at the Florida sale.  He is a half brother to G1 winner and sire Midas Eyes and G3 winner Bayou’s Lassie.

“He impressed in every department,” Godolphin agent John Ferguson said at Calder before adding prophetically, “He could be very effective on the race track.”