Game Trade Storm Denies Musir in Zabeel Mile

Trade Storm gamely threaded his way through horses in the stretch and burst clear late to complete a stirring last-to-first rally while denying favorite Musir a win in the $250,000 Zabeel Mile Sponsored by Stud Estrela Energia (UAE-II) March 2 at Meydan.

Trainer David Simcock's 5-year-old Trade Fair gelding was following up on his scintillating come-from-behind victory Feb. 14 at Meydan in the Jaguar Trophy. In that race, he stormed from last after a poor start to score by 3 3/4 lengths in course-record time of 1:49.06 for the about 2,200 meters (about 1 3/16-mile) handicap.

He was no less impressive in the Zabeel Mile. Starting slowing under Jamie Spencer, he raced at the back of the eight-horse field as Royal Ridge set the pace and opened a clear lead chased by Musir in second.

Last in the early stretch, Spencer had a ton of horse and wove a willingly Trade Storm through a tight pack as Musir took control from a weakening Royal Ridge 200 meters out. Once clear, Trade Storm flashed an electric acceleration to catch Musir in the closing stages and powered to a 1 1/2-length triumph.

"You have to be impressed by that," Spencer said. "I wanted to track Musir, but we missed the kick so I was further back than I intended, but he was always going well. As we turned for home I was looking for a gap and when we found one we were able to get through and he showed a great turn of foot.

"David has really done well with this horse, who seems to be improving and has thrived in the Dubai weather."

Fulbright finished third, another length back.

Winning his first stakes, Trade Storm finished the turf race in 1:38.74 as the 5-to-2 second wagering choice in North American pools hosted by Kentucky-based AmWest Entertainment. He earned his fifth victory from 21 career starts for owner Universal Racing. He was making his third start in Dubai after winning three of 18 starts in England.

Bred in England out of the Slip Anchor mare Frisson, Trade Storm's Zabeel Mile victory marked a notable double for former British stallion Trade Fair, now based in Western Australia. The 13-year-old Zafonic horse also sired the winner of the preceding race on the Meydan card, Spanish-bred Plantagenet, who won the 2,000-meter (about 1 1/4 miles) handicap by a neck from Con Artist.