Monterosso ignited Godolphin's dream with stunning triumph in Dubai World Cup

Monterosso turned the form book upside down at the Dubai World Cup a year ago with a stunning triumph in the richest horse race in the world at Meydan.

Mickael Barzalona captivated a nation on that memorable night as he stood up on the irons to lap up the adulation of a raucous crowd a full 30 metres away from the finish line.

The French jockey who had joined the Dubai-based stable of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, less than a month before the big night had brought Godolphin her maiden Dubai World Cup victory at Meydan.

It also ended a six-year drought for Godolphin in the $10 million race with Monterosso's stablemate Capponi adding the icing to it by running in second past the post.

"It was very exciting to win the Dubai World Cup on Monterosso last year - like a dream as I had joined Godolphin just three weeks before. I was 20 years old and it was something very special," said Barzalona reflecting on his remarkable triumph last year.

So the question on everybody's lips on March 30 2013 would be whether Godolphin could produce a repeat performance on Saturday.

"This will be my third year of riding Monterosso in the Dubai World Cup - he finished third the first time (in 2011), he won last year and this year I think he has improved a lot since his first race back when he was not ready. Monterosso has been in great form since then and I believe he can run well again," added Barzalona.

Asked whether he felt more pressure this year, he replied: "I feel the pressure every time before a big race and a big meeting, but Monterosso helped me a lot last year when he won the Dubai World Cup and since then I have been a little more relaxed."

Trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “I am very happy that I won the Dubai World Cup last year with Monterosso and also had the second in Capponi. It will be my winner this year for both horses to run in the race again - it is always difficult to keep horses at their very peak. Monterosso has come on for his first run and is in good form and doing OK but there is wear and tear. His training programme has not been 100 per cent smooth. Last year he finished fourth on his prep run and then won the big race, improving by seven or eight lengths. This year, he finished 10th and has to improve by around 20 lengths to win. But I think he will run a better race than last time.”

Godolphin has five contenders in the 2,000m race on Tapeta with early favourite Hunter's Light having received a favourable draw breaking out from stall four.

Silvestre de Sousa, one of Godolphin's retained jockeys, is pleased with the form of the Irish raider.

"Everything I have asked him to do, he has done very easily. I couldn't pick a better ride in the race and I think he goes there with a good chance. It is a pleasure to ride a horse like him and he has improved for every race.

"I have ridden him four times and he has won four times - the last twice very easily. I was first associated with Hunter's Light at Haydock Park last year (when winning the Group Three Talk To Victor Rose Of Lancaster Stakes) and I thought he was a good horse but he has improved since then.

"He acts on Tapeta really well and is a better horse on that surface than he is on the grass. The Dubai World Cup is very competitive, with the Americans the main danger.

"I am confident my horse will give his best - I haven't really put the guns on him in a race so far and I think he will give more. He has a decent draw and is a very uncomplicated ride. It would mean everything to win."

The last victory convinced Silvestre de Sousa that Hunter's Light is the one for the Dubai World Cup.

He explained: "I had my doubts early on - he is not a very flashy horse - he is not a big horse. Looking at him you would not say he is a Group One winner but he has different gears. When he won last time, he was the most impressive he has been."

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: “Hunter’s Light is unbeaten in his last three races. He is a horse who is improving and a tough performer. He will be there at the end because he has a big heart. A mile and a quarter is the best trip for him and he has pleased me in the run-up to this race - his biggest test. He really likes this track and the Tapeta surface. I think my three runners in the Dubai World Cup all have a good chance.”

African Story and Kassiano are the other two runners.

Mental could be Barzalona's best chance of a winner on Dubai World Cup night in which he as seven rides on Saturday for Godolphin.

The ex-Australian sprinter lines up in the Group One Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored By Gulf News over six furlongs on Tapeta.

Silvestre de Sousa has a marvellous book of rides on Saturday and is eagerly anticipating the races at Meydan.

He said: "The horses are in great form. I am very excited and really looking forward to the big night.

"The position is different from last year for me and I cannot wait. I think Godolphin will have a great night."

Ahmed Ajtebi is hoping to add to the three winners he has enjoyed during his career on Dubai World Cup night.

The 31-year-old Emirati has three rides for Godolphin on Saturday and above all would like to win the main race, in which he finished second on Capponi in 2012.

He commented: "Capponi showed a lot of speed in the Dubai World Cup last year. He tracked the leaders and then led until Monterosso, putting in a great finish, came past. I was happy to finish second."

Ahmed Ajtebi partners Capponi again in the Dubai World Cup, with the six-year-old Medicean horse taking on 12 rivals from stall five in the 10-furlong race on Tapeta.

"Capponi hasn't run since then but hopefully he can perform well from his good draw. We won't know whether he is 100 per cent ready until the race, though he likes racing at Meydan and the surface.

"Moonwalk In Paris (in the Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Etisalat) looks to be my best hope on Saturday. There are some nice horses in the race but he has good form and must have a big chance."

GODOLPHIN CONTENDERS ON DUBAI WORLD CUP NIGHT

5.10pm G2 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Etisalat 8f Tapeta
 
MOONWALK IN PARIS (FR) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Ahmed Ajtebi, shadow roll.

Ex-French five-year-old who has taken the switch from turf to Tapeta very well this year. The lightly-raced son of Oratorio won in good style on his first start in Dubai when successful in the Group Three Firebreak Stakes sponsored by Range Rover over a mile at Meydan on February 14 and ran well when third to another Godolphin horse, African Story, in the Group Three Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Holidays on March 9 over the same course and distance.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “Moonwalk In Paris is in good form and the distance suits him. He has not done anything wrong and I think he will run a good race. The plan is to drop him in and sit and wait. It is all about the pace of the race. If they go a good pace, it will help him overcome any disadvantage from being drawn 15 but a slow pace would make life very difficult from that stall. It is all about luck.”
 
ALPHA (USA) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa, visor.

Formerly trained in the US where he was highly tried last year as a three-year-old. His biggest success came when he dead-heated for first place in the 10-furlong Grade One Travers Stakes on dirt at Saratoga in August. The four-year-old Bernardini colt ran poorly on his first start on the Tapeta of Meydan, dropping out of contention in Round Two of the Al Maktoum Challenge sponsored by Tabloid over nine and a half furlongs on February 7.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “I was disappointed with Alpha on his first run for me. He doesn’t show a lot when he works in the mornings usually but we are giving him a chance in what will be his last race here in Dubai as he will return to America. We will see how he runs but he is doing well physically and worked quite nicely on Sunday. The visor is to sharpen him up over a mile.”
 
TIME PRISONER (USA) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona, shadow roll.

Successful on six of his 18 starts and also finished in the frame eight times. The six-year-old Elusive Quality colt has raced 17 times on turf and once on Tapeta when staying on in fourth in the six-furlong Group Three Mahab Al Shimaal Sponsored By Emirates Skywards at Meydan on March 9.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “Time Prisoner’s best trip is seven furlongs but I hope he will run well in the Godolphin Mile. He has won over a mile but it wasn’t a good race. I just hope the extra furlong doesn’t stop the horse showing his best.”
 
SAAMIDD (GB) - Saeed bin Suroor, William Buick, cheek pieces & tongue tie.

Lightly-raced five-year-old son of Street Cry who has finished a never nearer fifth behind Moonwalk In Paris on his last two starts in mile Group Threes at Meydan after slow starts. Won the first two of his nine career starts at seven furlongs.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Saamidd is working well and a mile is fine for him as long as he comes out of the stalls faster. The last two times he has jumped slowly from the stalls. He needs to take a good position early in the race from his outside draw.”
 
5.45pm G3 Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors 16f Turf
 
CAVALRYMAN (GB) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa, shadow roll.
 
Cavalryman, who was a top class three-year-old, enjoyed more success when tried over longer distances last year, winning Listed races in England over 14 furlongs and two miles. The seven-year-old made a promising reappearance in 2013 when a close third in a slowly-run Group Two Dubai City Of Gold sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo over 12 furlongs at Meydan on March 9.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “He is doing well and ran third last time. The step back up to two miles will suit him. He is in good form - so far so good and we are looking for an excellent run from him.”
 
TENENBAUM (GB) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona.
 
Lightly-raced four-year-old by Authorized who stays well. Finished strongly when coming from behind to be fourth to another Godolphin runner, Ahzeemah, in the Group Three 14-furlong Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Haras Estrela Energia at Meydan on March 2. Counted a Listed win at Deauville among his three successes in France last year.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “He needed his first run of the year and the plan was to sit behind the pace but sometimes when a horse has not run for a time they jump a bit slow and are not sharp enough. Now he has had the run, I hope he will be much sharper. He is in good form and I think he has a good chance. Two miles should be no problem.”
 
AHZEEMAH (IRE) - Saeed bin Suroor, Kieren Fallon, cheek pieces.

Very consistent sort (never been out of the first four in all 13 of his races) who has progressed from handicaps to take the 14-furlong Group Three Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Haras Estrela Energia at Meydan last time out on March 2.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Ahzeemah won his last race pleasingly. He is in good form and condition. He does not really show a lot in the mornings but I feel the longer trip of two miles will suit him better. He worked on Sunday and I was happy with him. The horse is a good fighter in his races.”
 
6.25pm G2 UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group 9.5f 3y Tapeta
 
SECRET NUMBER (GB) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa.

Two from two. Went away from rivals in the Listed Al Bastakiya sponsored by Emirates Skywards on Super Saturday, March 9, over this course and distance. The half-brother to Dubai Destination and Librettist took a Polytrack mile maiden at Kempton Park, UK, on October 24.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Secret Number has run twice in his life, winning a maiden and a Listed race. He is improving all the time and doing really well. He is unbeaten and I am sure he has the class to run a big race.”
 
NOW SPUN (USA) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona, shadow roll.

Successful on two of his three starts. Gained an easy victory, despite showing signs of inexperience, in the Listed Meydan Classic sponsored by Shahrazad Ladies Banking over a mile on turf at Meydan on February 28. Won a mile maiden, also on turf, at Leicester, UK, on October 16 and made his debut when fifth on Polytrack in a similar race at Wolverhampton the month before.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “The horse is really doing well - he is a nice sort and there is improvement in him. He has not had enough experience yet and I hope his turf form will translate to Tapeta.”
 
SHURUQ (USA) - Saeed bin Suroor, Paul Hanagan, cheek pieces.

Shuruq was Godolphin’s ninth winner of the Group Three UAE Oaks sponsored by Al Dana Wealth Management over this course and distance on February 28 when scoring very well by four lengths. A close second in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas Sponsored By Gulf News, also on Tapeta, at a mile, she made all in a seven-furlong Kempton Park, UK, maiden on Polytrack in October last year.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Shuruq won really, really well in the UAE Oaks. She is running over the same course and distance which she seems to stay well. She is ready to go again and I am hopeful of another good performance but it is a tougher race as she takes on the colts.”
 
SNOWBOARDER (USA) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, William Buick, shadow roll.

Won three times in eight starts and second or third otherwise. Seventh on the final bend, Snowboarder came through to have every chance, keeping on in third three and three quarter lengths behind another Godolphin three-year-old, Secret Number, in the Listed Al Bastakiya sponsored by Emirates Skywards on March 9 over this course and distance.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “I think Snowboarder will be fine in this race. Last time Mickael (Barzalona) lost his whip in the final furlong and this is a horse who needs encouragement. I think he will run a better race this time as there is a little bit of improvement in him. He always tries his best which can be seen from his consistent record. One day he will win again.”
 
7.45pm G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News 6f Tapeta
           
MENTAL (AUS) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona, blinkers.

Winner of eight of his 13 races including the Group One Patinack Farm Classic over six furlongs on turf at Flemington, Australia, in November. Made an immediate impact after coming to Dubai when sweeping past nearly all the field to win the six-furlong Group Three Al Shindagha Sprint Sponsored By Jaguar XJ on Tapeta at Meydan on February 14.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “Mental is a good horse - a professional in his training. Sprinters are often on their toes and a bit fresh but this horse is very relaxed and calm. I think we have a good chance on Saturday. Last time we didn’t declare him with blinkers and that is why he came very late. This time he will wear blinkers like he used to do in Australia. That should make him a bit sharper from the stalls and in the race. I think the 10 draw is fine - the way he won last time shows he is a very good horse.”
 
8.40pm G1 Dubai Duty Free sponsored by Dubai Duty Free 9f Turf
 
SAJJHAA (GB) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa, hood.

Unbeaten this year in three races at Meydan, winning two Group Two contests and then a Group One, the nine-furlong Jebel Hatta sponsored by Emirates Airline on turf at Meydan’s Super Saturday meeting on March 9, prevailing by three quarters of a length from The Apache.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Sajjhaa won her first Group One last time and is unbeaten in Dubai this year. She is doing really good in training - no problem at all. She is in the right race though she faces better horses this time. Her class should mean another good run. She has improved a lot physically this year.”
 
CITY STYLE (USA) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona, shadow roll.
 
City Style kept on when third in the Group One nine-furlong Jebel Hatta sponsored by Emirates Airline on turf at Meydan on March 9, beaten one and three quarter lengths by another Godolphin runner, Sajjhaa. The seven-year-old finished third in the Dubai Duty Free last year and has won seven of his 23 races.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “City Style came third last year in this race. He is the type of horse who comes second in a maiden and then second in a Group One. He is a bit clever and I am not sure he wants to be in front. Having said that, he is in the best form of his life and we will ride him handy in the race and hope for another good performance.”
 
AESOP’S FABLES (USA) - Saeed bin Suroor, Kieren Fallon, visor.

The four-year-old had his first outing for trainer Saeed bin Suroor when keeping on in fourth in the Group Two nine-furlong Al Rashidiya sponsored by DUBAL on turf at Meydan on January 31 and did not cope with Tapeta on his most recent start. He previously raced in France where he captured the Group One Prix Jean Prat over a mile last year.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Aesop’s Fables ran well first time out when needing the race and you can forget his performance last time as did not seem to like Tapeta. We will see how he gets on.”
 
FULBRIGHT (GB) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Ahmed Ajtebi, tongue tie.
 
Placed second and third in Group Two & Group Three races over a mile at Meydan this year. Won the seven-furlong Group Three Dubai Challenge Stakes at Newmarket, UK, last year after progressing out of handicaps. Steps up in trip.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “I think he can improve - there is no doubt that Fulbright is a good horse - I like him. He has been unlucky in at least one of his races this year. He is doing everything in the right way and is spot on.”
 
9.20pm G1 Dubai Sheema Classic Sponsored By Longines 12f Turf
 
PRINCE BISHOP (IRE) - Saeed bin Suroor, Mickael Barzalona, visor.
 
Switches from Tapeta to turf which he has not raced on since September, 2011. Last time out, he ran on from mid-field to briefly take the lead approaching the final furlong and kept on stoutly to finish third, three lengths behind Hunter's Light, in the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three sponsored by Emirates Airline at Meydan on March 9. He came home seventh in last year’s Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline and was 10th in the same race in 2011.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “He disappointed in last year’s Dubai World Cup but has run well on turf in the past and I think a mile and a half is the best trip for him. He is doing well and we are happy with him, though he might prefer a bit of cut in the ground.”
 
SHARESTAN (IRE) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa.

He moves up sharply in trip after three starts this year over nine furlongs, while 10 furlongs is the furthest he has raced over. He won the Al Rashidiya Trial Presented By Longines at Meydan on his first outing of the year by four lengths, came third in the Group Two Al Rashidiya sponsored by DUBAL and finished seventh in Group One company last time out.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “He won well first time and was unlucky on his second run. I think he will stay and hope he runs a good race.”
 
10.05pm G1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline 10f Tapeta
 
HUNTER’S LIGHT (IRE) - Saeed bin Suroor, Silvestre de Sousa.

Hunter's Light enjoyed an impressive success in the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three sponsored by Emirates Airline at Meydan over 10 furlongs on Tapeta on March 9, providing the 200th Group One victory for Godolphin. Has won five of his last six races, all by at least two lengths and comes into the Dubai World Cup in top form.
 
MONTEROSSO (GB) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Mickael Barzalona, tongue tie & shadow roll.

Has only run twice since being successful in last year’s Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline. He faded to 10th in the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three sponsored by Emirates Airline over the same course and distance on March 9 and came home eighth in the Group One Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park, UK, in July last year. His Dubai World Cup victory was achieved in terrific style by three lengths and he also came third in the world’s richest race the year before.
 
AFRICAN STORY (GB) - Saeed bin Suroor, Kieren Fallon.

Has won three of his last four races, all on the Tapeta of Meydan. The six-year-old took the Group Three Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Sky Cargo by four lengths over a mile last year before capturing the Group Two Godolphin Mile sponsored by Etisalat on Dubai World Cup night in tremendous style.

He switched to turf when sixth, and not beaten far, in Hong Kong’s Group One BMW Champions Mile in May last year and reappeared in the mile Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Holidays with another impressive victory on March 9. This is his first race at beyond a mile.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “African Story won the Godolphin Mile last year and I think his best trip will be a mile and a quarter which is why he is running in the Dubai World Cup this year. Everything has gone smoothly with his preparation - he is in good form and condition and it is all systems go. He can run a good race.”
 
CAPPONI (IRE) - Mahmood Al Zarooni, Ahmed Ajtebi, tongue tie & shadow roll.
 
Progressed out of handicaps to run second to stable companion Monterosso in last year’s Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, beaten three lengths. The six-year-old has not raced since.
 
Mahmood Al Zarooni said: “Capponi had the summer off and has taken a long time to come to hand which is why he hasn’t had a prep run. There have been some issues but he is well at the moment and deserves to take his chance. The team are doing their best to get him ready for another Dubai World Cup.”
 
KASSIANO (GER) - Saeed bin Suroor, William Buick, shadow roll.

Kassiano is the Capponi of 2013, having won handicaps well and then running second to Hunter’s Light in the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three sponsored by Emirates Airline at Meydan over 10 furlongs on Tapeta on March 9 when he came from a long way back to get within two and three quarter lengths of the winner. His rating has gone from 97 to 113 this year. Successful in seven of his 10 races and placed in the other three.
 
Saeed bin Suroor said: “Kassiano has won seven races and done really well this year, showing great improvement as he has gone on. Last time, he finished second in the Al Maktoum Challenge and we must give him a chance in the big race. He is in good form and hopefully still improving.”

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