Velorum resumes upward curve with dominant Meydan display

Velorum made an impressive return to action with a convincing victory in a seven-furlong turf handicap on week nine of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 27 February.

The lightly raced four-year-old, who posted a pair of novice race wins in the UK before disappointing in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, disputed fifth on the outside of the field throughout the first half-mile.

Velorum, trained by Charlie Appleby, cruised up to hit the front a furlong and a half from home and readily skipped clear under Mickael Barzalona for a two and three-quarter length success in 1m 22.42s – just 0.10s outside of D’bai’s course record.

Mickael Barzalona said: “Velorum was travelling a bit strongly but, when I gave him a clear run, he really picked up nicely. I didn’t have to ask him much and he did it well. When I got clear, I knew straightaway that he was going to go to the line.

“He is an exciting horse and I think he will be very competitive over this trip. This was his first run since a long break, so I am pretty sure that there is a lot more to come.”