Monterosso Flies in Dubai

Prior to the running of the Dubai World Cup (GI), I posted a blog that analyzed each contender entered in the richest race in the world. Among those horses was Monterosso, a horse I said had “a legitimate shot at Dubai World Cup glory.” He went on to triumph by about three lengths as jockey Mickael Barzalona stood in the irons in celebration.

Keeping up the trend of a horse that had performed well in the previous year’s World Cup going on to win the next year’s running, Monterosso redeemed last year’s third-place effort with a victory. He’d only started once since last year’s DWC performance, finishing fourth in the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge (GIII) behind stablemate Capponi in his first start in nearly a year.

Monterosso turned the tables on Capponi when it counted most, finishing approximately three lengths ahead of his stablemate on Saturday in the World Cup. Similar to Barzalona’s celebration in the 2011 Epsom Derby (GI), the rider stood in the irons, triumphantly pumping his fist in the air with less than fifty meters left of the race. Monterosso’s victory gave Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum his sixth win in the Dubai World Cup.

“It is a very special night,” Sheikh Mohammed told reporters. “It is a big party for everybody and I’m very, very pleased.”

The Americans Game on Dude and Royal Delta did not fare well, finishing up the track. Royal Delta’s chances were eliminated around the far turn when she was forced to check. It was not America’s year to shine, but rather time for Godolphin to excel. Monterosso has plenty of back class – having had much success in Europe – and has now justified his talent. Winning the richest race in the world is certainly a difficult task, but Monterosso was able to do it in easy style. The 2012 edition of the Dubai World Cup was Monterosso’s time to shine in his connection’s homeland.


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