My Indy takes Maktoum Challenge for Godolphin
GODOLPHIN claimed the feature race of the opening night of the 2009 Dubai Carnival when My Indy ran out the easy winner of the Maktoum Challenge Round I.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the ex-Argentine four-year-old powered clear in the final furlong for a comfortable success over Green Coast in the Group 3 event over 1m on the dirt at Nad Al Sheba.
Dettori and Saeed Bin Suroor, who both topped the tables at last year's carnival, were completing a double on the card after the earlier victory of Sos Brillante.
The Italian exuded confidence on My Indy, unseen since finishing sixth in last year's UAE Derby.
Sent to the front over two furlongs out, he quickened away impressively to settle the race in a matter of strides and scored by nearly six lengths over Green Coast.
A Group 2 winner in South America, My Indy has clearly thrived over the summer and Bin Suroor explained: "We were very hopeful coming into the race as he had been working very well indeed.
"We knew he had improved a lot from last season and, hopefully, he is a nice horse for the carnival and beyond."
Dettori added: "I was not expecting this good a start I must admit but he has really impressed me and I assume we will go for Round II now."
My Indy was sent off 4-1 second favourite with British bookmakers behind Mike De Kock's UAE Derby runner-up Royal Vintage, who was never a factor in sixth. Still, he did better than last year's winner Happy Boy, who disappointed again when beating only one home.
SOS Brillante - Frankie Dettori - NAd Al Sheab - 2009 Dubai Carnival - Nayef Fillies 1400
The Dettori double had been initiated by another former South American in the shape of the Chilean-bred Sos Brillante, who became Bin Suroor's 50th carnival winner altogether in the 7f conditions race for fillies and mares on the dirt.
Content to track the leaders, Dettori asked the filly to close under three furlongs out and, despite flashing her tail, she led inside the final furlong to win going away from the favoured India Tiberina.
Both jockey and trainer were making their debuts for the 2008-09 UAE season.
"What a great way to return - that rode like a decent race," said Dettori.
Twleve months previously, Bin Suroor had saddled Fiesta Lady to win the corresponding event from Cocoa Beach, who went on to win both UAE fillies' Classics.
Bin Suroor added: "We will look at the UAE 1,000 Guineas but we a decision will only be made nearer the time. She is a nice filly.
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