The first meeting, and the first 10% of the Dubai Carnival is over.
The opening meeting of the $2billion dollar Meydan course was no let-down and produced some excellent equine performances.
All reports of the new Tapeta surface were positive, and the track seemed to ride fairly evenly throughout the night, with winners coming from various pace angles and box positions 13, 1, 5, 11, 7, 11, 5.
If anything, the course seemed to suit those stalking or coming from off the pace, although a definite conclusion cannot be made after only one meeting.
Performances worthy of a second look include the Jeremy Noseda trained Leahurst's (11/8) win in the last race on the card, a 90-105 handicap over 7f. Stalking the pace, he was quickly pushed to the front under Ryan Moore and put the race to bed entering the straight to win going away.
However, perhaps the most impressive win of the night came from the Luca Cumani trained Drunken Sailor (5/1) who was value for more than his 2 1/4 length win over the ex-Cumani inmate Monte Alto. Given a great stalking ride from Kieren Fallon, the big gelding stormed to the front at the top of the straight and is definitely one to keep on the right side of during the carnival. He seemed to enjoy the Tapeta, and as he goes well on the Turf he has plenty of options.
Mike De Kock started the 2010 Carnival as though he meant business with two quick-fire winners courtesy of Raihana (11/4) and Lizards Desire (9/4), both ridden by uber-cool Frenchman Christophe Soumillon and both equally impressive. Lizards Desire got a perfect split on the rail, but he was always holding the challengers at the finish, lead by stablemate King Of Rome.
The first leg of the Maktoum Challenge (often seen as a trial for the Godolphin Mile on World Cup night, but has also been used as a stepping stone to the World Cup itself) went to last years World Cup runner-up Gloria De Campeao (12/1). Sitting just off the pace, the Pascal Bary trained Brazilian wore down the pace setting favourite-Godolphins Midshipman-in the final furlong, and held off the fast finishing Forgotten Voice (Noseda/Moore) for a 1/2 length victory. He will now be aimed at the World Cup in a bid to go one better than last year. Kieren Fallon partnered the multiple winning Saudi Arabian based Consul General. Unfancied in the market, the 25/1 shot looked a likely winner entering the straight, however a 3 month lay-off seemed to take its toll in the closing stages and he finished a tired 3rd, he will strip fitter for this run next time out and is worth a second look.
Elsewhere on the card, Godolphin registered a sole opening night win despite having short priced favourites in 4 of the 7 races. Whispering Gallery (6/4) dictated from the gate to record a comfortable victory in the 10f handicap, with the ultra reliable Halicarnussus holding on for 2nd.
Ted Durcan cajoled John Bests Sir Gerry (25/1) along at the back of the field in the only sprint on the card (6f). As the field entered the straight he quickly gathered momentum and flew down the outside in the closing stages to get up by 1/2 length. He could have been 'well-in' on his handicap debut.
All-in-all a fantastic opening night at a fantastic new venue and although the Dubai economy may well be feeling the pinch, the Carnival seems as though it will be as extravagant and as glamorous as ever this year. The next 90% should be well worth keeping an eye on.
Hollywood_G
Note:
Shadows Lengthen landed the six-timer at Southwell on Tuesday in grand style. A starting price of 11/4 was terrific value and he could go in again if his adept trainer can find him another opportunity.
A wide draw may have cost Imprimis Tagula in the 6 furlong sprint and he could do no more than fill the runner-up berth behind his better drawn rival Tourist. He could be worth chancing if he turns out again in the 'Super 7' qualifier at Lingfield on Saturday if hes not hindered by another wide box position.
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