World Cup night wrap-up

The night of the Dubai World Cup was sure exciting. With great entertainment and even better races it was a memorable night. I will now run over the races and winners.

Godolphin Mile

The USA based Spring at Last ridden by Garrett Gomez romped home a winner in the Godolphin Mile. Second went to Parole Board. This win also gives Gomez and Doug O' Neill their very first World Cup night wins.

UAE Derby

We may never see a UAE Derby performance like this again. Asiatic Boy romped home by 9 1/2 lengths, thus sweeping the UAE Triple Crown. He may come to the U. S. for the Breeders' Cup Classic at year's end. He is too old for the American Triple Crown.

Golden Shaheen

It wouldn't be any fun without Frankie Dettori winning one, wouldn't it? Another reason for Kelly's Landing to win. Americans finished one-two-four in the sprint, with Friendly Island second.

Sheema Classic

Hong Kong racing had yet to win a World Cup race heading into March 31st. That all changed when Vengeance of Rain won the Sheema Classic by 1 1/4 lengths. Americans didn't do so well, all finishing near the back of the field.

Duty Free

Lava Man has never won outside of California, and now he never will because he will never leave. When the field broke for the Duty Free, Lava Man went out to the lead under jockey Corey Nakatani. He kept the lead past the half mile pole, but suddenly quit in the stretch. He faded back to last, where he would finish. Meanwhile, Admire Moon, the Japanese invader, was an easy winner.

Dubai World Cup

Going into the race, we all thought it was a two-horse race between reigning Horse of the Year Invasor and the undefeated Discreet Cat. That match race didn't occur between those two, but Invasor still would not be denied. Discreet Cat broke a small step slow, letting Invasor actually break in front of him. Invasor was quickly rated by Fernando Jara while Premium Tap went to the lead. Discreet Cat was having a problem, not showing as much speed as usual. Frankie Dettori was forced to take up the reins near the back of the pack, a place totally unfamiliar to Discreet Cat. Turning into the stretch, Premium Tap still led, but Invasor was gaining on him. He finally managed to pass the other U. S. invader and win by two lengths. Discreet Cat finished last, 23 lengths behind Invasor. It was later found out after the race that Discreet Cat had a throat obstruction, an infection in his respiratory tract. It restricted the air flow to his lungs and barely let him breathe. This is probably why he ran so poorly. I still think he showed gameness in still chasing after the other horses.