Racing at Meydan hosted its 10th domestic meeting of the season on Thursday evening, which was highlighted by the featured fourth race, the Longines Master Collection Handicap over 1600m.
It was won in absolutely dominant style by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Mussabeh Al Mheiri-trained Alkaamel, who was ridden aggressively by Antonio Fresu from his rail post, a move that proved vital when preventing heavily favoured Talento Puma from getting the lead and gathering any kind of confidence.
Dismissing that rival after 400m in 24.47 and 800m in 47.31, the English-bred son of Havana Gold hit the 1200m in 1:11.15 and flew home, opening up 15-length gap by the furlong pole and finishing up under wraps and ultimately a 13½–length victory.
The final time was a spritely 1:36.13 and was his first win on dirt in four tries; fourth career victory overall from 16 tries.
“That was pretty impressive,” Fresu said. “He was always travelling strongly and we had the ideal draw in stall one to be positive, which has really suited him. I had the race won turning for home and was able to ease down in the final 100m.”
Al Mheiri added: “This horse had been working well and we were pretty hopeful coming here tonight thinking the 1600m would suit him – and it has.”
