Dubai: Victor Espinoza hit the ground running at Meydan with a giant and brave performance on Secret Circle that reminded us why the dirt is back. Although Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bob Baffert was unable to make the journey over, his team produced this horse to absolute perfection to claim the Gulf News-sponsored Dubai Golden Shaheen on Saturday.
Rich Tapestry, who was runner-up last year and fancied again this year, pinged out of the gates and made the early running with Lucky Nine and Secret Circle in close attendance. They were always going quick enough.
United Colour threatened behind and Super Jockey overcame a very wide draw to be in contention. The Hong Kong team were all going well and looking to be big players in the finish.
As they turned in to the straight, master US jockey Espinoza sent Secret Circle on to take up the running. Rich Tapestry fought hardest and plugged on well. As Secret Circle looked to be cruising, another Hong Kong challenger flew at him in Super Jockey. Anthony Millard’s smart galloper under the world class Ryan Moore were closing in fast but Espinoza pulled out more and more and held on for a famous victory.
This was the 10th victory for an American horse in 20 editions of the race and the winning time was 1 minute 10.64 seconds, the quickest thus far on the new dirt surface.
Moore and Super Jockey lost nothing in defeat from such a wide draw and on another night their luck could have been different. Although the US horse won, the result proved that the Hong Kong sprinters are a very talented bunch.
El Padrino, trained in Singapore, put up an excellent performance to finish fourth and the truly international flavour of the evening continued.
Espinoza said later: “I bounced out of the gate but the outside horse was quicker than mine, so I took it easy and wide. As soon as I swung out at the half mile pole I thought I was going to win. It was an amazing trip in the end.”
Asked about the track here, Espinoza said: “The main track reminds me of Churchill Downs, which is not a bad place to compare it to, in fact it is a good comparison.”
He continued: “Bob Baffert had been trying to win this race for years. In fact, he texted me today and said just don’t mess it up for me please.”
Baffert’s assistant trainer commented: “It’s an amazing feeling as there was so much pressure on me as no one is here other than me.
“I think he loved every minute of it. I think after this, many more horses from the US will come here as dirt is very much to their liking. Trainer Baffert was not there as he was focusing on other horses with the Kentucky Derby and few other races lined up. We took a chance with this horse and it did not disappoint.”
