U.S.-Based Duo Take On Top Locals in Godolphin Mile
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Photo: Dubai Racing Club/Erika Rasmussen
Coal Front gallops at Meydan
A pair of local heavyweights and an American duo figure prominently in the $1.5 million Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City-District One (G2) March 30 on the Meydan Racecourse dirt.
On the local side, Heavy Metal and Muntazah return after finishing 1-2 in the 2018 edition of the 1,600-meter (eight-furlong) race. The American invaders are trainer Todd Pletcher's Coal Front and Kiaran McLaughlin's True Timber.
Muntazah, a 6-year-old Dubawi gelding out of the Rahy mare Rumoush, won the local prep for this—the Burj Nahaar Sponsored by Emirates Holidays (G3)—by 10 lengths on Super Saturday. Good Curry, a Turkish runner, was second that night, followed by Bahrain's Musawaat and Heavy Metal. All four return Saturday.
In last year's Godolphin Mile, Heavy Metal made all the going and Muntazah finished second, two lengths back. Heavy Metal, an Exceed And Excel gelding, has not won in three starts this season, though his trainer, Salem bin Ghadayer, said he is in good form—for his age.
"He's a 9-year-old horse now," bin Ghadayer said. "But we are happy with him so far."
Trainer Doug Watson is high on Muntazah's chances this time around.
"On paper, Muntazah stands out," Watson said. "He's in good shape, looks great, and is very happy."
The U.S. runners also bring solid credentials. Coal Front, a 5-year-old Stay Thirsty ridgling, has won six of eight starts. He most recently captured the Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park, looking sharp going 1 1/16 miles.
"He's trained impressively, like he always does," said Pletcher, who also trained Coal Front's sire. "He's a beautiful horse, and we feel like the one-turn mile should suit him perfectly, especially backing up off a two-turn race."
True Timber, a 5-year-old son of Mineshaft , was last seen finishing seventh in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park. Before that outing in the slop, however, he was second in both the Cigar Mile Handicap Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) and the Bold Ruler Handicap (G3).
The Calumet Farm runner "settled in really well. He had a great flight over and is full of energy and eating well," said Neal McLaughlin, brother and assistant to Kiaran.
Among the others in the 13-horse field:
Secret Ambition won the Jebel Ali Mile Sponsored by Shadwell (G3) three starts back but then disappointed in the Super Saturday prep and drew the outside gate for the Godolphin Mile. Trainer Satish Seemar is adding a visor in hopes of improving Secret Ambition's focus.
Japan's hope, Nonkono Yume, won the 2018 February Stakes (G1) but has been unimpressive since, most recently defeating only one of 13 rivals in this year's February Stakes.
Another Watson trainee, Kimbear, suffered a serious foot injury in last year's Godolphin Mile but still finished sixth. Watson said he's had subsequent issues, but the 5-year-old son of Temple City is "coming around now. He's good enough on the night to run a big race."