Stay Gold Pulls Dubai Sheema Classic Upset

Stay Gold, a Japanese-bred son of Sunday Silence, caught Godolphin Racing's highly touted Fantastic Light at the wire to win the Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-II) on the World Cup card at Nad al Sheba racecourse. Ridden by Yutaka Take, Stay Gold was set down in the stretch just to catch Fantastic Light and win by a nose bob at the wire.

Stay Gold was sent off as part of the mutuel field at odds of 15-1 in North American wagering. Owned by Shadai, the 7-year-old horse trained by Yasuo Ikee has won six of 45 starts, with 20 placings. He has earned the equivalent of more than $7-million.

Endless Hall led throughout the 1 1/2-mile turf test, while being stalked by Daliapour and Give the Slip. Those three were passed in the stretch as Frankie Dettori and Fantastic Light shot to the lead and held that position before being caught by the winner. Silvano finished third.

In TVG wagering, Stay Gold paid $33.00 $8.40, Fantastic Light returned $3.40 and $2.40 and Silvano was worth $8.00.