Trainer Mike de Kock saddled the top two finishers in the $2 million UAE Derby (UAE-II) March 27 at Meydan Racecourse, with favored Musir outlasting filly Raihana by 1 3/4 lengths on Dubai World Cup night.
Both Musir and Raihana were bred in Australia by their owner, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, and both are 4-year-olds. Godolphin’s Mendip, the Al Bastakiya Stakes winner last month at Meydan, finished third.
Musir was ridden to victory by Christophe Soumillon, who had to guide his mount from last, closing ground along the rail in deep stretch to pass both Raihana and Mendip. The final time for about 1 3/16 miles on Tapeta was 1:57.44.
The winner is by Redoute's Choice, out of the Encosta de Lago mare Dizzy De Lago. It was the fifth UAE Derby win for de Kock.
Musir improved to 5-1-0 from six lifetime starts. He is undefeated in three starts this year, having won all three at Meydan. The bay colt raced for de Kock in South Africa in 2009, winning the group I Golden Horseshoe Stakes last July.
Raihana was entering off a victory in the UAE Oaks Feb. 25 at Meydan. She is a daughter of Elusive Quality.
Irish-bred Timely Jazz had to be pulled up after breaking down heading into the final turn.
The UAE Derby was open to 3-year-olds from the Northern Hemisphere and 4-year-olds from the Southern Hemisphere.
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