Heavy Metal (GB) (Salem bin Ghadayer - Mickael Barzalona) wins the Group
O
pening night of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival
own in the US $135,000 Longines Conquest Classic, a handicap
was highlighted by the US $250,000 Al Maktoum
over the same 1900m dirt course and distance as that big race
Challenge R1 (G2), presented by Longines Gents
win. Having made an impressive winning reappearance at Jebel
Master Collection, over 1600m on dirt and won emphatically
Ali two weeks ago, he was far too good for his eight rivals on
by Heavy Metal, a second winner on the card for His Highness
this occasion, going straight to the front under Barzalona and
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who was present.
never looking in any danger.
Saddled by Salem bin Ghadayer and partnered by Mickael
“These conditions really suit him and he has done that very
Barzalona, Heavy Metal was able to take full advantage of
well,” Barzalona said. “He beat (subsequent Dubai World Cup
his low draw, stall two, going straight to the front and staying
winner) Prince Bishop when winning the second leg of the
there en route to a nearly five-length victory over favourite and
Maktoum Challenge, so his class is apparent. We were very
multiple Group 1 winner Thunder Snow with jockey Christophe
disappointed when he was injured last year and missed most of
Soumillon.
the season, but he is back to something like his best now and
Heavy Metal had won on his seasonal reappearance three
these two wins will have done wonders for his confidence.”
weeks prior over the same course and distance in the Listed
Frankyfourfingers was not seen last year after the end of
Dubai Creek Mile. He was also victorious on three occasions at
January when finishing second in a 1600m carnival dirt
the 2017 carnival over the same track and trip.
handicap won by Heavy Metal.
“These conditions really suit him and he has done nothing
Godolphin dominated the US $175,000 Singspiel Stakes (G3),
but improve, especially over the last year,” Barzalona said. “He
presented by Longines Ladies Master Collection, over 1800m on
relishes this dirt surface and is showing on the track what he
turf. Well-regarded Saeed bin Suroor-trained favourite Benbatl
has displayed to us in his work at home in the mornings. He
asserted his class and bounded clear under Oisin Murphy,
has always worked like a very good horse and has such a great,
finishing with plenty left and defeating Charlie Appleby-trained
willing, attitude. He is easy to ride. We had a good draw and
banner-mate Emotionless and jockey James Doyle in a swift
he broke well, so I was always going to go to the front and he
1:46.99. The pair looked set for a real battle at the top of the
enjoys those positive tactics. It has been a very good evening
straight before Murphy’s mount quickened well, putting the
for the whole team and long may it continue throughout the
race to bed in a few strides. Classy 7-year-old Earnshaw rallied
year.”
well for third. A third Godolphin horse, Appleby-trained Bay of
“He jumped out quite okay,” Soumillon said of the runner-up. “I
Poets suffered through a crowded trip and rallied well for sixth
was quite happy with my position. For the distance today, with
under William Buick.
that pace, it was probably a bit short for him, but he finished
“Saeed gave me an open book as how to ride him and they
the race quite well. It’s encouraging for the future. He gave me
are a very straightforward team to ride for,” Murphy said. “I just
a good effort in the straight and he’s a horse who needs to be
looked for a bit of cover and then when I asked him, he picked
100% fit and wasn’t today. The big target is in the future in a
up very well. He was a bit keen early on but he tends to be
few more weeks and we’re going to see much better next time.”
and, if you look after the line, he was still running away. He is
Earlier, stable companion Frankyfourfingers, winner of the 2015
a very nice horse, progressive and is going to get better. I am
Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2), proved in a class of his
very grateful for these opportunities on such nice horses on
Arab Horse Couture
February 2018
34