PERFECT PRESVIS BACK IN STYLE
By Press Association Sport Staff
Presvis set himself up for a second challenge for the Dubai Duty Free by winning the Jebel Hatta on Super Thursday at Meydan.
Luca Cumani's international star was second in one of the showpieces of World Cup night last year and his victory in this prep run - his second outing of the Dubai Carnival - came courtesy of an ice-cool ride by Ryan Moore.
Frankie Dettori looked set for his fourth winner of the night when hitting the front on Alexandros but Moore, who had held up Presvis during much of the race before weaving up the rail, suddenly found some space and he eventually quickened comfortably clear.
"I'm delighted to see the horse back, we have got him back to where he was," said Cumani of the 4-1 chance.
"He will definitely go for the Dubai Duty Free now."
Dettori and Godolphin were on fire throughout the card.
First the unbeaten Mendip (11-4) strode six and a quarter lengths clear off a dawdling early pace in the Listed Al Bastakiya. Stablemate Vale Of York (5-2 favourite), last seen when winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, was fifth.
Dettori said: "This was only his third start and there is some improvement left.
"If he goes for the UAE Derby hopefully the extra distance will make all the difference."
Injury problems for Desert Party (9-2) had kept him off the course since the Kentucky Derby but he had no problems dropping down to six furlongs in the Mahab Al Shimaal, particularly when the perfect gap opened on the home bend.
John Best's Sir Gerry closed for third but the James Eustace-trained War Artist, the 10-11 favourite, was disappointing.
"We knew he was a good horse but he's had 10 months off and for any athlete to pitch back into a big race like that, to win is a pretty good achievement," Dettori added.
"I didn't expect him to win as I knew the horse would improve but now we have the choice of two races on World Cup night in either the sprint or the mile."
They switched to the grass for the Group Two Dubai City Of Gold but there was little change in the result as Dettori and Godolphin struck again.
Campanologist (6-1), a respected performer at this sort of level in Britain, was having his first start since last October and had just enough in hand to contain a stunning late challenge from Turkish raider Pan River.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "Mentally and physically he has improved a lot since last year. This year we have been lucky with him, he's happy, sound and healthy.
"He was carrying a little condition and will improve a lot from this race.
"I think he will be a Group One horse in Europe this year. He's improved and more focussed."
Japanese runner Red Desire (8-1) finished wide and late to steal round three of the Al Maktoum Challenge from the determined Gloria De Campeao right on the line.
Godolphin's Cavalryman, having his first start since finishing third in the Arc, ran respectably enough but was out of the money, while stablemate Allybar looked most unlucky in-running.
Trainer Mikio Matsunaga said through an interpreter: "We knew she had ability but didn't expect too much at this stage. We'll have a think about what to do next (the Sheema Classic or World Cup).
"It's a great day, a great honour to win a race at Meydan."
Jockey Olivier Peslier added: "She was a bit lazy early on but she's a great filly, she was third in Japan Cup.
"I think the Sheema Classic (would be her race)."
Dettori's Skysurfers was the 8-11 favourite in the Group Three Burj Nahaar but he could manage no better than fifth.
The race went to Brian Meehan's 25-1 shot Cat Junior, who made nearly all the running.
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