Spring At Last Captures Dubai Mile
Three American Horses dominate Nad al Sheba Race Undercard
Apr 3, 2007
Of the fourteen American-based thoroughbreds shipped to Dubai, Spring At Last, Kelly's Landing, and Friendly Island, three less heralded individuals, turned in big performances on March 31 in the racing carnival's undercard. Premier runners, Invasor and Premium Tap, finished one, two in the Dubai World Cup (gr. l), the feature race.
Best efforts in the day's undercard included Spring At Last's win in the Godolphin Mile, and the first and second place runs completed by Kelly's Landing, ridden by Godolphin Racing Al Quoz Stable'sFrankie Dettori, and Friendly Island, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Garrett Gomez.
Godolphin Mile
Rider Garrett Gomez and trainer Doug O'Neill were the most successful American duo at the United Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup races held at Nad al Sheba race course. Gomez rode Spring At Last to an impressive 2-3/4 length victory in the $1 million Etisalat Godolphin Mile (gr. ll) in 1:36.16.
The 1600 meter (one mile) race featured 14 older horses on dirt. Godolphin Racing entrant Killybegs was the favorite, but was unable to respond to rider Frankie Dettori at the 3/8 pole. He faded and finished 13th. Dettori is a regular rider for Godolphin Racing.
Spring At Last, who had stalked the early leaders with Killybegs, made his move wide under jockey Garrett Gomez, caught the leader, Nelore Pora, then sprung ahead and drew off, beating second place finisher Parole Board easily. Parole Board came on from the back of the pack and closed over Mullins Bay, a Mike de Kock trainee, by 1-1/2 lengths.
O'Neill's assistant trainer, Leondro Mora, handled Spring At Last in Dubai. O'Neill stayed in Florida with Notional for the Florida Derby. Mora said Spring At Last seemed to like the Dubai warmth. It is similar to the California temperatures where he has most often run.
Spring At Last will get some time off and may be pointed next to the Hollywood Gold Cup in California. The competitor's owner, J. Paul Reddam and his wife,Zillah, were in Dubai to accept the winner's trophy. Reddam was pleased with the win and spoke of Spring At Last as an "improving type."
Dubai Golden Shaheen
Thor's Echo, winner of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Sprint, couldn't uphold his pick as the favorite in the $2 million Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen (gr. l). The 1200 meters (six furlongs) on dirt was a field of sixteen. Running to the wire second, Friendly Island had been taken third pick for the race.
Kelly's Landing gained the lead at the 1/4 pole from Bishop Court Hill, after stalking the leaders alongside Thor's Echo. Friendly Island had a big move to give in the stretch, but Kelly's Landing held him off for a half length victory. Time of 1:10.34 was recorded.
Winning jockey Dettori said American horses are good in the lane. He has ridden many winners for Godolphin in Dubai, but this was his first victory in the Golden Shaheen. Kelly's Landing held on gamely, as he was beginning to tire just short of the wire, Dettori said.
Gomez, aboard Friendly Island, said he needed another furlong to catch Dettori's mount, but overall, he was pleased with the run.
The Golden Shaheen and the Godolphin Mile, along with the main event, the Dubai World Cup race, all were dominated by American-based horses. Those three races accounted for half the day's main events.
