David Junior Bests Elders in Dubai Duty Free

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David Junior, trained by Brian Meehan and ridden by Jamie Spencer, landed the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) over 1,777 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) on the Nad Al Sheba turf by 3 1/2 lengths over the pacesetting The Tin Man.

A 4-year-old Florida-bred son of Pleasant Tap, David Junior won the Champion Stakes (Eng-I) in his last start Oct. 15. The chestnut colt made his move with a little more than a quarter-mile to go, overpowering the 8-year-old Affirmed gelding The Tin Man, trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Victro Espinoza.

Dhruba Selvaratnam's 7-year-old Seihali, with John Murtagh aboard, finished third, 1 1/4 lengths behind The Tin Man.

"We broke well," Spencer said of David Junior. "They went a bit quick, but 600 meters out I was in no doubt. We went home hands and heels."

Earning $3 million for owner Roldvale Ltd. & Gold Group International, David Junior has now won six of his 10 starts and $3,596,938.

"(The Tin Man) ran a great dash, that was fun," Mandella said with a huge smile, before quipping: "Just wait till next year. He'll be mature by then."

The Tin Man earned $1 million for his runner-up effort, nearly doubling his career earnings to $2,226,860.

"Everything set up good" for The Tin Man, Espinoza said. "I wish he had had a little more at the end, but he ran great. The last sixteenth of a mile he was looking around a little bit, but when the other horse got in front, he came on again."

The Chilean-bred Host finished fourth for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez. They were followed by Bullish Luck (USA), Perfect Promise (SAF), Fields Of Omagh (AUS), Touch of Land (FR), Russian Pearl (NZ), Tyson (SAF), Whilly (IRE), Hat Trick (JPN), Linngari (IRE), Valixir (IRE), and Asakusa Den'en (GB).

Irridescence (SAF) was scratched prior to the post parade. The time was 1:49.65.

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