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Presvis rallied from last and withstood the challenge of River Jetez to capture the $5 million Dubai Duty Free Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free (UAE-IT) at Meydan Racecourse March. 26.
Presvis won the Duty Free in his third attempt. The Luca Cumani trainee finished second in 2009 and was a disappointing 11th last year. The winner, sent off at odds of 5-1, paid $12.60.
The 7-year-old gelding is by Sakhee out of Forest Fire, by Never So Bold. He was bred in England by Mrs. M. Campbell-Andenaes, and is owned by Leonidas Marinopoulous.
Breaking slowly, Presvis was settled at the rear of the field by jockey Ryan Moore as Beauty Flash went to the front and led the field through the early stages of the race. Strawberrydaiquiri sat just off Beauty Flash in second, with Tazeez tracking them from third.
As the field entered the far turn, Strawberrydaiquiri overtook Beauty Flash and opened up a slight lead. River Jetez was looming boldly on the outside, and the mare quickly drew alongside to challenge for the lead. With just under two furlongs to run, River Jetez put away Strawberrydaiquiri and was in full flight for the wire.
At the same time, Presvis was making smooth progress under Moore, weaving through traffic and drawing even with River Jetez with less than a furlong to go. The pair battled each other for several strides before Presvis was able to edge clear in the final yards, crossing the wire three-quarters of a length in front.
Wigmore Hall rallied late to take third, finishing 1 1/2 lengths behind River Jetez. The lone U.S. runner, Victor's Cry, finished fifth.
The final time for the nine furlong contest was 1:50.21 over a good turf course.
“He's a very talented horse; he deserved that," Moore said. "A lot of hard work goes into him in the mornings and this is one for the whole team. They went a good gallop initially, then the pace slackened a bit and he got the gaps when I needed them. Usually, he quickens between horses and he had to fight to beat off the mare.”
