African Story scores for Godolphin, Saeed Bin Suroor in the Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Etisalat
African Story broke all barriers and bagged a victory for Godolphin and trainer, Saeed Bin Suroor, in the Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Etisalat at Meydan, yesterday, 31st March, 2012.
Saddled by jockey, Frankie Dettori, the five-year-old gelding raced as a favourite, with odds of 5 to 6, and claimed the prize of £387,096.77.
Dettori said that African Story was his best chance of winning, and the son of Pivotal, out of mare Blixen, lived up to the expectation.
He exhibited stellar speed, and with a sharp turn, took the track like a storm, grabbing the lead.
He finished 4 lengths ahead of the runner-up, M.F. De Kock’s Viscount Nelson.
This was the fourth victory for Godolphin and ninth for Saeed Bin Suroor.
Dettori moved African Story to the outside of the rail where the runner used the opportunity to his benefit and increased his speed.
Dettori was pleased with his performance and told the media:
“It was a push-button result for me. He had won his prep well and had a good draw."
Viscount Nelson, mounted by K. Shea, had a slow start and settled in the rear.
He gained speed in the final furlong but was no match for the winner’s agility and speed.
The lead was taken by Charles Hills' trained Red Jazz, early on, in the beginning of the race.
Under jockey, Michael Hills, he was the front runner but lost his composure in the last 1 ½ furlong, continuing with his best for a solid finish.
He finished 1 ¾ lengths behind the runner-up, displaying an amazing run for all at the track and on screens watching, for a third place finish.
Hills was pleased with Red Jazz’s performance and stated to the press:
"He ran a great race after a long lay-off, lack of match fitness just told.”
He further elaborated that this was the beginning of the season and Red Jazz will be competing in more races to come.
Western Aristocrat who was expected to excel in this race fell short of all expectations.
Trained by Jeremy Noseda, he was mounted by Ryan Moore yesterday. He lacked the speed from the beginning and settled at the back of the pack.
Moore felt that the horse had sustained an injury and hence, pulled him up with just 4 furlongs remaining.
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