Godolphin land World Cup with Monterosso
Report: UAE, Saturday
Meydan: Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) 1m2f, AW, 3yo+
MONTEROSSO led home a memorable Godolphin one-two in the Dubai World Cup as he stormed clear of stablemate Capponi to win the world's richest race in the hands of jockey Mickael Barzalona.
Barzalona was stood high in his stirrups - reminiscent of his victory on Pour Moi in last year's Investec Derby - and he saluted the crowd as the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained five-year-old approached the winning line.
The success capped a fine training performance from Al Zarooni, who also trained the runner-up. The pair were formerly trained by Mark Johnston.
So You Think, representing Aidan O'Brien, failed to quicken in the straight and could manage only fourth under the trainer's son Joseph. Planteur, trained by Marco Botti, made good late headway to snatch third.
Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the Dubai World Cup meeting, said: "It is a very special night and I'm very, very pleased. Mark Johnston did a good job with this horse."
Transcend and Capponi made most of the running during the early stages of the race. So You Think, sent off the 5-4 favourite, was narrowly in behind the leaders.
Mahmood Al Zarooni: trained first two home in Dubai World Cup
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerO'Brien nipped up the insideof Transcend, much to the annoyance of jockey Shinji Fujita, as the three set a fairly strong pace throughout.
Monterosso was positioned in behind under Barzalona as Game On Dude, ridden by Chantal Sutherland, was forced to make ground on the outside of the field.
Capponi attempted to take a length or two out of his rivals as the home straight beckoned andhe seemed to have the measure of So You Think but he could not cope with Monterosso, who sprinted past and established a clear lead.
He kept on well to score by three lengths as Capponi held on for second from Planteur, who made eyecatching late ground for Ryan Moore.
"It's a fantastic effort," said Godolphin racing manager Simon
Crisford. "The field had so much depth that we were hoping for good runs but we couldn't be confident going in. It's unbelievable to have first and second. They are two really fantastic horses."
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