Dubai World Cup Results
Godolphin could have its first Kentucky Derby starter since 2002 with Discreet Cat. The colt won the UAE Derby impressively by six lengths, beating a field that included older horses like previously undefeated Uruguayan Triple Crown winner Invasor, and is attracting excited attention as a result. British bookmaker William Hill made Discreet Cat its 5-1 Kentucky Derby favorite, but Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford is warning eager fans to wait before wagering:
And jockey Frankie Dettori sounded a note of caution after the UAE Derby as well: “I don’t know how he’s going to be against the best of the Americans,” he said. “But he showed great determination and focus.”
If Discreet Cat were to run in the Kentucky Derby, it would be only his fourth career start, going 1 1/4 miles against tested competitors like the current leading favorites Brother Derek and Lawyer Ron. However impressive his Dubai win, those are a couple of tough knocks to overcome.
Other Dubai results: Local horse Electrocutionist overcame a slow start from post one to win the World Cup by 1 1/4 lengths. “I knew he was a good horse and a special horse,” said happy owner Sheik Mohammed after. The Americans put in a good show, with Brass Hat finishing second, Wilko third, and Magna Graduate fourth.
Buff Bradley, trainer of Brass Hat, admitted some disappointment at the results, but said, “I got over it, and it took me about 10 seconds … We were so proud of Brass Hat. He made us proud. He ran super.”
Electrocutionist could start in this fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, as might David Junior, who turned in an eye-catching performance winning the Dubai Duty Free. “He was swinging away like he was running in a maiden and when I asked him to quicken up, he went away like a rocket,” said jockey Jamie Spencer. “Once he had got out I was never going to get beaten.”
Related: Sources close to Ouija Board’s connections say jockey Kieren Fallon has lost the mount on the “wonder mare” following her poor showing in the Sheema Classic, and Wilko will remain with trainer Jeremy Noseda. The four-year-old returned to Noseda’s Newmarket barn following the World Cup, and may start next in the May 29 Met Mile or the June 17 Stephen Foster.
