2009 Dubai World Cup Results Part 2

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

March 28, 2009 The Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) is the shortest race on the World Cup card, a 1200 meter (6 furlong) dash on the straight dirt course at Nad al Sheba. 12 runners entered this event, with La Brea Stakes winner Indian Blessing sent off as the 11-8 favorite in her first start against males. Two horses were sent off at 11-2 on the toteboard: locally trained Big City Man, second in the Mahab Al Shimaal, the major local prep for this race after winning the Al Shindagha Sprint, and Europe's champion sprinter Marchand D'Or, sixth in the Hong Kong Sprint last out after winning the Prix de l'Abbaye in October.

Lucky Quality was quickest away to set the pace on the near side through an opening quarter of 23.56 with Indian Blessing and Hammadi stalking him on that side of the track. Big City Man and Diabolical stayed close to the pace on the far side. Exiting the chute, Force Freeze, who was slow out of the gate, gained on the pacesetters and poked his head in front with Indian Blessing still in contention. Indian Blessing shook him off and got her nose in front at the 1/4 pole, getting the half mile in 45.05, but Big City Man came on again and pulled away from the favorite over the final 1/16 to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:08.93 over the fast track. It was a long 5 lengths back to Diabolical third.

Results chart - from Emirates Racing Authority