English/Ire
‘I would have given anything to see this horse win’ – Sunway shines brightest to bring Menuisier Meydan joy
David Menuisier could hardly contain his beaming smile after watching Sunway strike for the second time in his career in the concluding Al Khail Trophy.
Sunway has danced nearly every dance over the last few seasons but failed to find the winners' circle since landing the Criterium International as a juvenile.
The now five-year-old son of Galiway has run some admirable races in defeat, with second and third placed efforts in both the Irish Derby and English St Leger during his Classic campaign proceeding three fourth-placed finishes in Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes, the Goodwood Cup and Prix du Cadran.
Dropped to Group 3 level for his Meydan debut following a recent gelding operation, Sunway ran on strongly up the straight under Silvestre De Sousa to deny the closing Epic Poet by half a length.
"I'm very proud, as I said the other day I'd give anything to see him win to tonight," said Menuisier.
"He's been so unlucky and he has so many bands tied to his tail. He has no friends whatsoever in the betting, I'm not a betting guy, I'm not, but you always have a look. It doesn't bother me but how many horses compete for three years at the very top level.
"He got tired towards the end because that's his first run of the season. We had to geld him and turn him out for six weeks in the paddocks, so we brought him in quite plump. He's only had four weeks to get ready, and he's only done three pieces of work so there's no reason to see him improve.
"He was a different horse in the prelims. He was always playing up in the past but today he was walking around like an old pony. He's much easier to train.
"We have to take it one by one, but we should be back here for the Nad Al Sheba. I assume he qualifies and then we'll see.
"I would have given anything to see him win but I didn't have to because he has!"
Barzalona bags UAE 2000 Guineas
Mickael Barzalona tasted further success on Meydan's dirt track when steering Bhupat Seemar's exciting three-year-old Six Speed to a comprehensive victory in the UAE 2000 Guineas.
Always well-positioned by Barzalona, Six Speed galloped his rivals into the ground up the straight to come home five lengths too strong for Charlie Appleby's Devon Island.
"He travelled well all the way round," said Barzalona. "He quickened up well in the straight and maintained that speed all the way to the line. He did it very well.
"I love riding here, I've been lucky to ride some good horses on the dirt here. I get plenty of confidence off my trainers, but I really enjoy riding here."
The winner, who has recently swapped colours having been purchased by American owners Brunetti Dugan Stables, now looks to be on the Kentucky Derby (Gr.1) after gaining some valuable points towards qualification.
"He's going to likely run on Super Saturday and then hopefully in the World Cup," said winning trainer Bhupat Seemar.
"If we can get to Churchill Downs that will be the plan. It's the right amount of time to go to the UAE Derby, he's a very exciting horse. He's got that early speed, you can put him wherever you want and he's just very adaptable."
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