Dubai Future on top as Godolphin dominate Listed Meydan Cup

Dubai Future demonstrated his liking for Meydan, UAE, with a clear-cut success as Godolphin stayers fought out the finish to the 14-furlong Listed Meydan Cup on week three of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, Thursday, 4 February.

The son of Dubawi captured a handicap at the 2020 Carnival before going on to finish second in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy and had also filled the runner-up spot behind Walton Street on his seasonal return in the Listed Dubai Racing Club Classic.

Dubai Future (Frankie Dettori) raced in mid-division initially before settling in third after the first half-mile as Ghostwatch (William Buick) opened a two-length advantage over the field.

Volcanic Sky (Pat Cosgrave) moved up to hit the front when Ghostwatch started to fade approaching the three-furlong pole but was headed over a furlong out by Dubai Future, who soon went clear to prevail by a length and a half.

Volcanic Sky rallied in second, with Global Heat (Harry Bentley) staying on in third as horses representing Saeed bin Suroor finished first, second and third.

The Charlie Appleby-trained duo of Ispolini (Richard Mullen) and Ghostwatch came home fourth and fifth to complete a Godolphin 1-2-3-4-5.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Dubai Future is a tough horse, who always tries hard. Frankie Dettori gave him a good ride – he was not pushing the horse all the way and I thought he was going to win throughout the last two furlongs.

This should put him spot on for the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy in three weeks’ time.”

Frankie Dettori added: “Dubai Future finished strongly from a bad draw last time. I had a decent draw this time, jumped well and got into a box seat. I wasn’t sure who to follow, William Buick or Pat Cosgrave, but I gave my horse plenty of options.

“I had plenty of horse when I got him to the outside and he was a true professional. He has a very good mind for racing. He is a very willing partner and a joy to ride.”