I had the great fortune of seeing some truly great thoroughbred racing in 2009. One of the most impressive performances, for me, in 2009 was Gladiatorus's win in the 2009 Dubai Duty Free over in Dubai. He completely overpowered and ran away with the race. A race that was full of "top flight" contenders that included among others: Paco Boy, Presvis, Alexandros, Bankable, Archipenko, Jay Peg, Nicanero, and Japanese champion mare Vodka. Although also winning the Jaguar XL Trophy and the Al Fahidi Fort while at the Dubai racing carnival, the Dubai Duty Free was by far Gladiatorus crowning achievement of the 2009 Carnival. Since leaving Dubai, he's faltered a bit, a well beaten 6th in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot to Paco Boy, and a well beaten 9th to Goldikova in the 09' B.C. Mile. But there's no doubt that Gladiatorus is a colt with a world of potential. Now racing for Godolphin Stables, maybe Saeed Bin Suroor can return Gladiatorus to his former glory. Because when he's on his game, as he was in Dubai in 2009, he's one of the very toughest milers on turf in the world. IMO.