The Dubai World Cup Carnival concluded its seventh race meeting with a solid bang. Doug Watson trainee Muntazah romped to claim the Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes. His run indicated that he could be useful in longer distance races as well.
The 6-year-old son of Dubawi broke well under Jim Crowley and settled into a handy position for the first half of the race. The early pace was fast enough, with Heavy Metal pushed to the lead by Mickael Barzalona. He was tracked by Satish Seemar’s Behavioral Bias and Secret Ambition.
Although Behavioral Bias challenged Heavy Metal for the lead around the bend, Muntazah, increased his speed at just that moment to cruise past his old rival. He won by an impressive 4½ lengths in a final time of 1.38.21. Secret Ambition ran on well in second, with beaten favourite and 2018 winner Heavy Metal in third. Well-regarded Watson trainee Kimbear was fourth.
The 1000m Meydan Sprint sponsored by Gulf News (Gr.2) was turned into a one-horse show, courtesy of Gr.1 sprinter Blue Point, who locked horns with the David Hayes-trained Faatinah (Jim Crowley aboard) at the top of the straight to power clear with 300m left to run. The 5-year-old son of Shamardal made amends under William Buick for his second placing behind the late Ertijaal in last year’s edition in the process and provided handler Charlie Appleby and owner Godolphin with a first win in the feature after finishing second in the last five renewals.
Australia’s Faatinah confiscated the lead from Mike de Kock’s Mujaafy early on, with Blue Point settling midfield. However, the 5YO son of Shamardal went head-to-head with David Hayes-trained Faatinah with 300m left to run and powered ahead to victory.
Fernando Jara steered Portamento well, taking third with Mujaafy landing a good fourth. Rebel Streak (Mickael Barzalona) and Johann Strauss (Royston Ffrench) completed the running order.
The Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes winner Poetic Charm settled comfortably at the rear under William Buick. The Dubawi filly powered up to take the lead with 300m left to go. The multi-Group winning filly claimed a four and half lengths victory in the Gr.2 Balanchine.
Late-closing Charlie Fellowes charge Mia Tesoro held on for second with three-quarters of a length to Turkish darling Peri Lina guided by Selim Kaya in third. Asoof finished fourth, with South American Gr.1 winner who is trained by Erwin Charpy - Furia Cruzada landed a disappointing fifth.
Poetic Charm and Blue Point granted trainer Charlie Appleby dual inaugural stakes victory on the night.
The final time was 1:49.60.
Click here to Watch Race Meydan Sprint 2019
Click here to Watch Balanchine 2019
Click here to Watch Race Firebreak Stakes 2019
Click here For Result Meydan Sprint 2019
Click here For Result Balanchine 2019
Click here For Result Firebreak Stakes 2019
Credit: Dubai Racing Club