Nad Al Sheba Review Sunday, February 20th
Godolphin unveiled their power for the UAE Derby at Nad Al Sheba last night supplying four of the first five home in the inaugural US$250,000 Khor Dubai with Bachir proving the best of the Saeed bin Suroor-trained quartet.
Bachir, winner of the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last July, led all the way over the 1,600m trip under French jockey Sylvan Guillot to defeat the Frankie Dettori-ridden Interrogate by three quarters of a length.
Zoning, ridden by John Carroll was four and a half lengths away third while Gerard Butler's Compton Admiral was fourth under Darryll Holland. 'We always thought tat the mile would suit Bachir best as it is his ideal trip,' said bin Suroor.
'Interrogate is more of a 2,000m horse and he showed that with the way he got to the line.'
Guillot though was convinced after the race that, despite Bachir getting a little tired in the closing stages, he could still beat Interrogate when they next met.
Bin Suroor was, however a little non-committal regarding Godolphyin's UAE Derby hopes on March 25th despite their domination in the race's main lead-up.
'We will see how they are over the next few days before we decide,' he said.
Compton Bolter ran a good race for his first try on the dirt and in all likelihood will run in the UAE Derby while plans were astray for Buggy Ride after the gay Kelleway-trained colt trailed in last of the 11 runners.
Compton Bolter's stablemate Stayin Alive finished eighth of the 11 runners.
