GODOLPHIN MILE

GROUP 2

The $1.5 million Group 2 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City-District One produced a thrilling finish, with Heavy Metal looking set to defend his title only to be caught in the dying strides by Coal Front.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, the five-year-old rig was drawn wide in 12 under Jose Ortiz, and the pair were forced to track Heavy Metal, Muntazah and Good Curry. The last named was the first to crack with Muntazah looming large alongside Heavy Metal at the top of the straight before weakening with a furlong and a half to run.

That left Heavy Metal with a seemingly insurmountable advantage, but Ortiz had a willing partner who finished off his race in style to put his head in front where it mattered. Ortiz was making his first UAE mount a winning one (he later doubled up), as well as supplying Pletcher with his first local success with his 17th runner.