Cladocera Captures Meydan's Balanchine Stakes
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France-based filly Cladocera posted her second win of the 2015 Dubai World Cup Carnival in the $200,000 Balanchine Stakes (UAE-II) Sponsored by District One on the turf at Meydan Racecourse the night of Feb. 19.
She became the third Cape Verdi (UAE-II) winner to follow up in the 1,800-meter (about 1 1/8-mile) Balanchine. Sun Classique won the two contests in 2008 before landing the Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I) on Dubai World Cup night, while Sajjhaa achieved the same feat in 2013 before winning the Jebel Hatta (UAE-I) on Super Saturday and the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I).
Ridden by Christophe Soumillon for trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre in the field of 10 older fillies and mares, 4-year-old Cladocera was held up well off a decent early gallop before being asked to close as the field turned for home.
A patient Soumillon shook the reins about 100 meters out and Cladocera settled the issue in a matter of strides, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over Cape Verdi third-place finisher Anahita. It was one length farther back to Cape Verdi runner-up Zurigha in third. The final time was 1:50.74.
"We were drawn nine so the tactics were pretty much decided for me," said the Belgian Soumillon. "They went a reasonable gallop which has helped her settle nicely, and the only brief moment of worry I had was when forced a bit wide in the straight.
"She has a lovely turn of foot as we saw there and is going to improve with age and racing."
Owner Haras de la Perelle bred the bay daughter of Oasis Dream in Germany out of the Pivotal mare Caesarine. Cladocera, who did not race at 2 and won two of five starts last year, was second in the EBF Stallions Hyde Stakes Nov. 19 at Kempton Park. Her prior four races came in France, including a minor stakes win at Longchamp.
In the co-featured event, the listed Dubai Millennium Stakes at 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles), Godolphin's Hunter's Light broke the turf course record in a time of 2:00.67 while winning by 1 3/4 lengths.
Godolphin won the race, named after Sheikh Mohammed's favorite horse, for the fourth consecutive year. It was the third time trainer Saeed bin Suroor saddled the Dubai Millennium winner.
A group I winner in both Europe and the UAE, Hunter's Light had been freshened up before making a winning return Jan. 29 in a 2,000-meter handicap at Meydan.
"He has retained all his ability," said winning rider James Doyle. "I wish they had gone a bit quicker tonight as he travels so strongly but I was always pretty confident. He picked up nicely at the top of the straight and ran on well.
"The whole team will have to sit down and discuss future plans as he has plenty of options."
A 7-year-old by Dubawi—a son of Dubai Millennium—Hunter's Light was bred in Ireland out of the Barathea mare Portmanteau, a half sister to multiple French group winner Courteous. Hunter's Light posted his 11th lifetime win from 26 starts.
Australian-bred Umgiyo finished second in the 10-horse field, 4 1/4 lengths clear of Mr Pommeroy.