2010 Dubai Duty Free - Al Shemali

Longshot Al Shemali took over from a trio of American horses in upper stretch and pulled away to win the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) by 1 1/2 lengths March 27 at Meydan Racecourse. The English-bred 6-year-old horse is owned by Sheikh Hamdan and was ridden to victory by Royston Ffrench.

Starlight Partners Take the Points, who had the lead turning for home in the about 1 1/8-mile turf race, settled for fifth under Edgar Prado, a quarter-length back of Don Van Racings The Usual Q. T., who was also up close for much of the contest with Victor Espinoza aboard. Pam and Martin Wygods Courageous Cat faded to ninth in a field of 16 after being near the pace under Garrett Gomez. Favored Presvis was 11th.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56128/al-shemali-pulls-duty-f...

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• dubai
• horse
• racing
• meydan
• racecourse
• al
• shemali
• huge
• upset
• Royston
• Ffrench

[GBeret83]

Considering America is not particularly known as having strong turf horses on the world stage, I thought 2 of the 3 American horses, Take The Points and The Usual Q.T. gave a really good accounting of themselves in this race. The Usual Q.T. ran 4th and Take The Points ended up 5th among a 16 horse international field. That's very respectable, IMO.

[GBeret83]

Al Shemali has really struggled racing for Godolphin in 2011. His best finish for them was a 2nd behind the Mike De Kock filly, Mahbooba, in the listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket. But he was beaten some 6 lengths by her that day. But I would leery of Al Shemali again in Dubai in 2012, because he's back in the barn of trainer Ali Al Raihe. Who trained him for his career best effort winning this race, and for his 3rd place finish behind Lizard's Desire and Gloria De Campeao in the SAIC. JMO.