Veteran sprinter Tropical Star (Ire) rebounded from a disappointing finish in his previous start with a determined effort to win the Najah Al Shindagha Sprint (UAE-G3) by a head in the final jump on Thursday at Nad al Sheba racecourse.

The seven-year-old Machiavellian gelding entered the 1,200-meter (5.97-furlong) race off a ninth-place finish following a layoff of more than nine months in the Invasor Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Shadwell Farm (UAE-G3) on January 18.

Tropical Star dropped near the back of the 16-horse field under jockey Royston Ffrench, who roused his mount shortly after the break to remain in touch with the field. Still near the back of the field with 400 meters remaining, Tropical Star unleashed a determined rally from between challengers.

“He was very disappointing in the Maktoum Challenge Round 1 a week ago, but this is more his trip,” Ffrench said.

Tropical Star surged into contention in the closing strides to overtake pacesetter Aliysa approaching the wire and nip runner-up Thajja in the final jump, completing the distance in 1:10.11 over a fast main track.

Trained by Ali Rashid al Raihe for owner Shiekh Mohammed bin Maktoum al Maktoum, Tropical Star improved to seven wins from 21 career starts.

Thajja rallied from midpack to seize command with 50 meters left and looked like a winner until headed at the finish by Tropical Star. Aliysa finished 3 1/4 lengths behind Thajja.

Tropical Star won two of four starts in 2006, including a victory in the Derrinstown Stud Mahab Al Shimaal (UAE-G3), and he finished second by a length to Saratoga County in the 2005 Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1).

Bred in Ireland by Gainsborough Stud Management, Tropical Star is one of two winners from four starters out of multiple Group 3 winner Tropical, by Green Desert.

To see a replay of the race, click here.