From Nad Al Sheba Racecourse
Best Of The Bests announced himself the horse to beat in the group I Dubai World Cup with a performance of sheer dominance in the Listed second round of the Maktoum Challenge at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday night.While the race was robbed of some interest by the race morning withdrawal of China Visit, Best Of The Bests showed that he could be the dominant force in 2001 with his 12 length victory over stablemates Sobieski and Nooshman. English raider Sugarfoot was fourth of the four runners. Best Of The Bests was timed to run the 1,800m on the dirt in 1:47.85 which was faster than what get Away With It took to defeat Worldly Manner in the race last year while it was 0.65 seconds faster than what China Visit took to win the UAE Derby last March.Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said the son of Machiavellian had clearly passed his first test on the dirt surface and while he said discussions were still to be had with the horse's owner, it was likely the horse's next target would be the US$6,000,000 Dubai World Cup on March 24."He was very fit and he took to the dirt very well," bin Suroor said, "We are very, very pleased."Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Best Of The Bests jumped straight to the front and was never headed however what was particularly significant was that he was pushed right out hands and heels to the line. This was Dettori's first ride at Nad Al Sheba since the win of Dubai Millennium in last March's Dubai World Cup however he won't decide on a ride in this year's event until after the third and final round of the Maktoum Challenge at Nad Al Sheba on March 1.That event is likely to see the return racecourse appearance of Ekraar who is also on the Dubai World Cup trail. Earlier in the program Vulpix strengthened his claim for the US$250,000 UAE Two Thousand Guineas at Nad Al Sheba on March 1 with a narrow but authoritative victory over stablemate Dubai Down Under in the UAE Two Thousand Guineas prep. Vulpix had to fight hard to get the better of Dubai Down Under and while he will face harder opposition in the UAE Two Thousand Guineas he is a horse of some promise.
The UAE Two Thousand Guineas was won last year by Bachir when the race was called the Khor Dubai and Vulpix can expect strong opposition from Al Quoz Stables.