Fresu takes the spotlight with Military Law

Dubai - Fresu shines on the opening night of the Dubai World Cup Carnival

Famed Italian jockey Frankie Dettori and Godolphin were on the double but it was another Italian Antonio Fresu who took the spotlight, on the opening night of the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

Dettori, a three-time winner at the Dubai World Cup, guided the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Land Of Legends in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort for Godolphin, and then went on to wrap up proceedings with victory in the Dubai Dash Listed Handicap, onboard Equilateral.

But the night at the Meydan Racecourse belonged to Fresu. Fresu, who completed 100 winners in the UAE last February, piloted Military Law to victory in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1. Saddled by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, Military Law went into the lead towards the closing stages to beat the Doug Watson-trained Thegreatcollection by 1.25 lengths.

Following the eight-furlong contest, Fresu hinted that Military Law could be a possibility for the $20 million Saudi Cup to be held next month.

Earlier, racing action got going with Watson’s Golden Goal scoring a 3.5-length win over Desert Doctor in the Al Furjan Handicap.

Godolphin were then up on the board with Charlie Appleby-trained Walton Street, the mount of William Buick, an impressive five-length winner over stablemate Dubai Future in the Dubai Racing Club Classic.

Defending UAE Champion Trainer Satish Seemar and record eight-time UAE Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea then brought up their 16th and 22nd winner of the season respectively by overseeing Switzerland to victory in the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes.

Lord Glitters then won the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes.

james@khaleejtimes.com