Meydan rocked by Heavy Metal
dubai — The opening night of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival was highlighted by the $250,000 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 (G2), presented by Longines Gents Master Collection, over 1600m on dirt and won emphatically by Heavy Metal, a second winner on the card for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who was present.
Saddled by Salem bin Ghadayer and partnered by Mickael Barzalona, Heavy Metal was able to take full advantage of his low draw, stall two, going straight to the front and staying there en route to a nearly five-length victory over favourite and multiple Group 1 winner Thunder Snow with jockey Christophe Soumillon.
Heavy Metal had won on his seasonal reappearance three weeks prior over the same course and distance in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile. He was also victorious on three occasions at the 2017 carnival over the same track and trip.
Earlier, stable companion Frankyfourfingers, winner of the 2015 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2), proved in a class of his own in the $135,000 Longines Conquest Classic, a handicap over the same 1900m dirt course and distance as that big race win.
Having made an impressive winning reappearance at Jebel Ali two weeks ago, he was far too good for his eight rivals on this occasion, going straight to the front under Barzalona and never looking in any danger.
Godolphin dominated the $175,000 Singspiel Stakes (G3), presented by Longines Ladies Master Collection, over 1800m on turf.
Saeed bin Suroor-trained favourite Benbatl asserted his class and bounded clear under Oisin Murphy, finishing with plenty left and defeating Charlie Appleby-trained bannermate Emotionless and jockey James Doyle in a swift 1:46.99.
Godolphin also supplied both first and second in the 1400m turf handicap, the $160,000 Longines Moon Phase Master Collection, with Buick weaving through on D’Bai to deny James Doyle on stable companion Bravo Zolo.
The first Thoroughbred race, the $160,000 Longines Ladies La Grande Classique at 1000m on the turf, was won for the third consecutive season by track record holder Ertijaal, who is trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.
The meeting opened with the $60,000 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 (G1, Purebred Arabians), presented by Longines Equestrian Collection. Like its Thoroughbred counterpart, it was contested over 1600m on the dirt.
Paddy’s Day, having his first start for UAE champion trainer and US expat Doug Watson, ran out the winner by a neck from Barnamaj. It was a fourth win in the race for the handler.