Back home, it looks like a pair of US runners will duel to decide the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) on March 25 in Meydan.
On the ropes, it will be two different horses, as the third US-based runner in Kentucky to cross Sibelius keep the race winner defending Switzerland who began his career in the United States, to win the sparkling version of the 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) land sprint after Hopkins and Gunite has been leading for a long time.
Because isolation in the Godolphin Mile (G2) and sotogake skin in the UAE Derby (G2) won first of the first two ground races for the Thoroughbred on Saturday’s Dubai World Cup card, Hopkins and Gunite ties, both of whom trained in the United States, are probably feeling pretty good as they battle for the top spot for home and a tight early entry.
But everything changes around the time when Sibelius and jockey Ryan Moore, first on board, find space inside to move up from their track positions to claim the lead. from the leaders. Meanwhile, Switzerland, under Tadhg O’Shea, launched its protest outside that trio. Switzerland’s late move was short-lived when Sibelius prevailed first.
Sibelius finished the race with a ratio of 1: 10.69 while the Swiss finished ahead of third-place Gunite half the way, who was coached by Steve Asmussen for the Purebred Winchell. Hopkins, coached by Bob Baffert for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Golconda Stable, Siena Farm and Robert Masterson, finished fourth.
Earlier on the card Moore instructed broom to victory at the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) on grass.
Campaigned by Jun Park and Delia Nash and coached by Jeremiah O’Dwyer, Grade 3 winner Sibelius prepared for the Golden Shaheen with a clear victory in the Pelican Stakes on February 11 at Tampa . Bay. Last year, the 2021 male led the 2nd crop Not this time calculated Mr. Prospector’s Shares (G3) at Gulfstream Park out of his two bets wins.
On the first overseas trip of his career, Sibelius secured his most lucrative win and secured his first win in group 1 or 1. In fact, the sum of $1.16 million that he made on Saturday more than double the $488,889 out of his pocket in his first 18 starts.
Bred by Taylor Brothers Properties, Pollock Farms, Patrick H. Payne et al, Sibelius is apart from the unclassified Pulpit Fiery Pulpit mare, who produced seven winners. Besides Sibelius, she is also the dam of the bet Dypsy, the dam of the 1st place winner Edwards goes left .
This story will be updated.
