Dubai Prince's eventual debut for Godolphin was about four months too late for the Classics but all may not be lost judged upon a fortifying victory in a minor event at Newbury.
A two-and-a-half-length defeat of Jet Away, one of a small field of older horses comfortable at the level of the Dubai Duty Free Conditions Stakes, is not a firm guide of whether the colt could justify his entry in the Qipco Champion Stakes, even if little more could be demanded from his first start for almost a year.
Dubai Prince was spoken of as either a 2000 Guineas or Derby horse in the spring, having won both his starts at two for Dermot Weld, until a hairline fracture to an area in his pelvis intervened.
With Frankie Dettori unable to manage 54.6kg, he was ridden compassionately by Kieren Fallon and allowed to stride clear two furlongs from home.
Neither Mahmood Al Zarooni, the trainer, nor Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford were at the course but team representative Diana Cooper said: "He's obviously in great shape and you couldn't really ask for a better reintroduction.
"He did everything asked of him last year, beating Seville in a maiden at Gowran and winning a Group 3 easily, so it all speaks of good things to come.
"He's handled nine furlongs and there's no reason not to step him up.
"We'll have to see what Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] says and I'd imagine a decision on his next race would be made in the next week or so, but not by me."
Fallon added: "He felt electric - he's a proper horse.
"The way he moves and everything about him would excite you.
"He picked up and quickened away. I don't know what the plans are, but he'll be all right.
"I think that's the last time I'll see him."
