Mendip Wins Easily at Meydan

1/13/2011 8:53 PM  | bloodhorse.com
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Heavily favored Mendip took the lead at the top of the stretch and was never challenged, sailing home for an easy victory in the Al Maktoum Challenge-Round I Sponsored by Longines (UAE-III) at Meydan Race Course Jan. 13.

Ridden confidently by Frankie Dettori, Mendip raced comfortably in third as Sea Lord and My Indy led the field of 14 through the early stages of the eight-furlong contest.  Sea Lord continued to hold a one-length advantage as the field entered the far turn, as Mendip eased into second over a tiring My Indy.

As the field entered the home straight, Dettori asked Mendip for more and the response was immediate, as the 4-year-old colt shot to the front and opened up several lengths on the rest of the field.  Mendip continued to draw off through the stretch while being geared down, eventually crossing the wire 2 1/4 lengths in front.

South African-bred Imbongi, who captured the 2010 Zabeel Mile (UAE-IIT), closed strongly for second, with Win For Sure finishing another quarter-length back in third.  



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What the Nation is saying about Mendip Wins Easily at Meydan...

Not that their playing field is packed for the turfer come "plastic dirt" runner, a low fewer US entrants will hit the board.
Thanks for your insight medlocke. Looking forward to watching Mendip mature into a World Cup contender in the coming months.
  • Rossington · mdracing69, I don't know how many of Mendip's race replays you've seen? But he really is something to see on that main track at Meydan. He just turned 4yrs.old, but is still pretty lightly raced. He broke his maiden on the all-weather at Kempton Park in September, 2009. Then Godolphin shipped him to Dubai. He ran 3 times at the carnival in 2010. Winning the 4-Men Conditions Stakes, the Al Bastakiya, and then finished 3rd in the UAE Derby. Beaten about a length by two of Mike De Kocks South African horses. His colt, Musir. Who went unbeaten at the carnival. Winning the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, the UAE 2000 Guineas, and the UAE Derby. And his filly, Raihana. Who won the UAE 1000 Guineas and the UAE Oaks. That's the only loss of Mendip's career. But the field that he man handled in the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.1 yesterday is by far the best run of his career. The list of horses Mendip beat reads like a who's who of Dubai racing. Imbongi and Mr. Brock. Also outstanding Euro horses. Sea Lord, Fencing Master, Win For Sure, just a class field. · 500 days ago ·
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Not sure what US will represent with in the World Cup, but if Mendip goes there, it will be hard for me to root against him. i was so high on this horse last year, glad to see him back and doing well off the rest. Can't believe I had honestly forgotten about him.
  • Rossington · Tiznow, as of right now, with the first day of the carnival having just wrapped up. The only two U.S. horses that racing web-sites are talking about showing up at Meydan for the Dubai World Cup that I've seen are Gio Ponti and Richard's Kid. That's not to say that some other American owners and trainers might not change their minds between now and March 26th, and decide to give their horses a shot? But only the two mentioned are what I'm hearing will be going over from America as of now. · 500 days ago ·
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This being the second season that the new Meydan facility has been in existence in Dubai. And the main track now Tapeta, and no longer conventional dirt as was the case at the old Nad Al Sheba facility. I've not seen a horse dominate a surface like Mendip has done on the Tapeta main track at Meydan. He just eats that surface up. At the 2010 Carnival, he made the 09' Breeders Cup Juvenile winner, and his stablemate, Vale of York look like a maiden colt. Mendip really thrives at Meydan. I also believe that Godolphin doesn't have a better representative to send to this year's Dubai World Cup than Mendip. He will be a load for Gitano Hernando, Gio Ponti, Snow Fairy, Wigmore Hall, or any of the other "big name" horses headed to Dubai for the DWC. Godolphin's Allybar really thrived on the Tapeta at Meydan in 2010. Winning the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.2, 3rd in the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.3, and 3rd in that now famous 3-way photo on the wire between Allybar, Lizard's Desire, and Gloria De Campeao that decided the DWC winner. That said, I'd rate Mendip as a better horse on the Tapeta than Allybar. The great thing about Mendip potentially racing in the DWC is that you'll get him at a price with more established G1 winners in the race. And I'll take whatever long odds they want to give me on Mendip all day long. Because I believe he'll be right their with the best of them at the wire. JMO.
Mendip absolutely loves the Tapeta at Meydan. He raced 3 times at the 2010 Carnival. Winning 2 of them, and running a game 3rd in the UAE Derby. His second win, the Al Bastakiya, he thumped stablemate and 09' Breeders Cup Juvenile winner, Vale of York. Mendip was totally impressive winning the 2011 Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.1 on opening day of the 2011 Carnival. Off of that performance. I can't imagine Godolphin with anything more than one more run in what will likely be the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd. 3. And if all goes as well as Rd.1 did? I'm sure an entry into this year's Dubai World Cup will be on the table for discussion.
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