Dubai // The Group 2 Balanchine Stakes, over 1,800 metres on turf, was won by L’Amour De Ma Vie, leading a French 1-2 when chased home by Flotilla.
Never far off a very steady pace under Maxime Guyon, she quickened to the front 400m out, establishing a decisive lead over her five rivals.
She ran on determinedly and had the race in safekeeping with 100m to go.
It was a first UAE winner for the jockey, as well as for the trainer Pia Brandt.
Guyon said: “I am delighted to get my first Dubai winner in such a big race. She ran a great race when caught close home three weeks ago and I think she is improving.
“Hopefully, there is more to come from her.”
The main support race, the concluding 2,000m Listed Dubai Millennium Stakes, a new race this year, was won by Godolphin’s Tasaday, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa for Saeed bin Suroor.
The jockey said: “She is a lovely filly and has shown a touch of class there to win a decent contest.”
The rest of the card was dominated by Europe.
Racing opened with a 1,400m turf handicap and the Mick Halford-trained Eastern Rules, representing Ireland, registered a second 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival victory, winning cosily under Shane Foley.
The pair had won a 1,400m Tapeta handicap two weeks ago, and this victory was a fourth for the trainer and jockey at Meydan this year.
Foley said: “The horses have all been running well and it has been great. Hopefully, we have a few more winners to come.
“It was a good performance last time but this was a better one in a stronger race. Turf is probably his preferred surface.”
David Marnane and Fergal Lynch then combined, again for Ireland, with Elleval in a 2,000m Tapeta handicap. It was a third 2014 Carnival win for jockey and trainer with Lynch more than happy to take his time with half a dozen runners helping to set a fast early gallop.
Sticking to the rail, Lynch drove his mount through a gap 200m out and they were able to hold off the late challenge of Start Right.
Lynch said: “They went so fast early on I was in no rush and made sure he had a bit of a breather down the far side. He quickened nicely when I asked him and that was a good effort.”
The 1,600m Tapeta handicap provided the trainer Rune Haugen with his first UAE winner, with Pat Dobbs aboard Avon Pearl, who led close home.
Haugen said: “That is just great. We knew he was capable of a big run after an excellent local debut a fortnight ago. It was a great ride from Pat Dobbs and I am just delighted.”
The UK then joined in with Medicean Man winning his second 1,000m turf handicap for the trainer/jockey duo of Jeremy Gask and Harry Bentley. The pair combined to win a similar race at the end of January 2013. Conditions clearly suit.
The pace was modest for a sprint but Bentley was always happy, explaining: “He settles in his races so a slow gallop is fine. I know he quickens and battles which is exactly what he has done there.
“The runner-up closed 100m out but he has then found plenty more.”
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