Dubai: Shaikh Juma Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum is living the Derby dream after Storm The Stars earned himself a ticket to next month’s Epsom showpiece with a stubborn victory at Goodwood yesterday.
Ridden prominently by Pat Cosgrave for 1996 Derby-winning handler William Haggas, the son of the illustrious Sea The Stars made every yard count as he held off Godolphin’s Classic hope Best Of Times, to record a convincing, if not spectacular 1½ length victory.
The winner is now bidding to become only the second horse in history to use the Cocked Hat Stakes as a stepping stone to Epsom glory in two weeks time.
Only the Major Dick Hern-trained Troy achieved the feat in 1979 when successful in the 200th running of the Derby.
British bookmakers Sky Bet slashed Storm The Stars odds to 25/1 (from 50/1) for the June 6 Derby.
The firm’s Michael Shinners commented in the Sportinglife: “Storm The Stars was having his sixth public outing at Goodwood and lacks the star quality of some of his potential Epsom rivals.
“Having said that, a few of them have question marks over their stamina for the Derby trip but this son of Sea The Stars wasn’t stopping at the line and will surely relish the step back up to a mile and a half on June 6 having won on Friday over a mile and three furlongs.”
Best Of Times, who was looking to lay down his big-race credentials could not find the acceleration to catch the front running Storm The Stars and had to settle for second place under Godolphin’s retained rider James Doyle.
An accomplished endurance rider Shaikh Juma represented the UAE at the London Olympics in 2012. He is also a member of Godolphin’s board of directors.
Storm The Stars is among the 16 horses left in for the Epsom Derby at the latest forfeit stage.
Ante-post favourite and Dante Stakes (G2) winner Golden Horn is expected to be supplemented to the race at a cost of £75,000 (Dh426,410).
