Musir Easy Winner of Al Rashidiya

The anticipated battle between defending champ Presvis and Musir never materialized as Musir sailed home an easy winner of the $200,000 Al Rashidiya-Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free (UAE-IIT) at Meydan Racecourse Jan. 26. The nine-furlong turf contest was the highlight of the sixth night of racing in the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

It was the second straight stakes victory of the meet for the Mike de Kock-trained Musir. The son of Redoute's Choice scored a win in the Al Maktoum Challenge-Round 1 Sponsored by Etisalat (UAE-III) two weeks ago.

With the scratch of Sandagiyr, a field of eight went to the post in the Al Rashidiya, with Musir being sent off as the heavy 3-5 favorite. Second choice at 3-1 in the wagering was the Luca Cumani-trained Presvis, who was making his 2012 debut.

Musir broke alertly and was settled into second, with jockey Christophe Soumillon sitting just off the early pace set by Marcret. French raider Rajsaman followed in third, as Presvis raced near the rear of the field under Ryan Moore.

Marcret set a leisurely pace throughout the early stages of the race, and continued to hold onto a one-length advantage as the field entered the far turn. At the top of the stretch Musir made his move, shooting past Marcret to take the lead.

Musir continued to coast easily through the stretch, eventually being geared down by Soumillon to win by a length. City Style closed well to finish second, with Marcret holding on for third, 3 1/2 lengths farther back. Presvis made a brief move at the top of the lane but flattened out late to finish fifth.

The final time for the nine furlongs was a pedestrian 1:54 over a turf course listed as good.

The victory improved Musir’s overall record to eight wins in 14 starts, with the $120,000 winner’s share boosting his earnings to $2,337,481 for owner/breeder Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum.

Musir was bred in Australia and is out of Dizzy De Lago, a stakes-placed daughter of Encosta De Lago.