Meydan Masters on Friday night?

And well done to MDK and Soumillon for finally getting Imbongi's nose in front in Dubai!

Imbongi squeezes home to land Zabeel Mile

Report: UAE, Friday

Meydan: Zabeel Mile Sponsored by Meydan (Group 2) 1m, turf

IMBONGI squeezed up the rail under jockey Christophe Soumillon to record a narrow victory from Kalahari Gold and Summit Surge at Meydan on Friday.


Yasoodd and Dunelight made the early running as Imbongi was settled in the middle of the runners by Soumillon.

Imbongi was travelling smoothly in behind the leaders turning into the home straight but was switched to the inside rail by Soumillonwhen it looked like he was about to surge to the lead.

The Mike de Kock-trained runner was poked through a gap on the rail to lead soon after his switch but Kalahari Gold was finishing powerfully down the centre of the track.


However, his run was not strong enough to take him past 9-4 chance Imbongi and the Shiekh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum-ownedrunner passed the post a neck in front.

Kalahari Gold finished second at 14-1 while Summit Surge also came with a strong late run to take third at 8-1.

De Kock was delighted and said: "That is very pleasing because I was worried about the fast ground and the trip. He is a nice horse and one we wanted to run in the Dubai Duty Free last year but did not get invited.

"He seems to be showing more speed this year so the Godolphin Mile is another option. We will have to wait and see."

Rio De La Plata, the 5-1 third favourite, came under pressure early and weakened rapidly to finish at the rear under Frankie Dettori.