Dubai hosted the World Cup meeting at Meydan featuring some awesome performances called with aplomb by SA commentator, Alistair Cohen.

Frankie Dettori got Country Grammar to swoop late in the World Cup as odds on fave Life is Good caved in the final 80 yards; Shahryar staved off deep closer, Yibir in the Sheema in another Japanese strike; Lord North and Panthalassa dead heated in a dramatic finish to the Turf with Vin de Garde only a nostril away in 3rd; Long-shot, Switzerland got a perfect stalk and pounce trip to upset the Golden Shaheem and A Case of You proved too swift on the standside rail in the Al Quoz Sprint.

It was an international racing feast to savor with huge World Pools to bet into, all of which made for a great day – just a pity some of the results proved utterly bewildering for many form students. But it is always going to be tough to work things out with horses shipping in from all over the globe, then anticipating how they might cope with the peculiar demands of the Meydan track.

The best local racing took place at Turffontein. Early on in Race 4, Tuscan Winter (s/s 99) was visually impressive scooting in from dead last to win going away in a Graduation sprint.

The two juvenile features fell to the JA van Vuuren trained, Karangetang (s/s 91) who raced handy then held on to win the G3 Protea Stakes, whilst Galla Vanting (s/s 88) sustained speed all the way on what became a rain- softened track to capture the G3 Pretty Polly Stakes for trainer, Lucky Houdalakis.

Course specialist, Second Base (s/s 106) continues to compile a fine record over middle distances on the Highveld. Jockey de Melo made sure he hugged the rail, saving ground all the way round and, despite hanging near the finish, did enough to repel the persistent challenge of Zillzaal (s/s 106) and a threatening rally from the rear by Sparkling Water (s/s 105.)

Sentbydestiny (s/s 101 +) received an especially well-judged ride by Gavin Lerena in a Pinnacle Stakes run in a Highveld downpour. Bon Vivant (s/s 99) was close by in second with top weight, Zarina, (prepping for the upcoming Empress Club Stakes), filling the trifecta slot after racing wide and encountering a traffic jam near the finish.

Ace PE sprinter, Global Drummer (s/s 105) just keeps on winning. His East Cape Sprint Cup success at Fairview was his 15th victory from 19 starts – this four-year-old sports an exemplary strike rate.

Pleasedtomeetyou (s/s 101) proved no match for the local champ, sired by Global View at Ascot Stud. He was ridden by JP van der Merwe who is putting his Singapore banning ordeal behind him, and now gratefully riding winners back at home base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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