Meshtri Toughs out Creek Mile Success
The Listed Dubai Creek Mile has a history of throwing up some good horses and Meshtri is the latest name on the roll of honour after his tenacious win in Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival feature.
Nine ran in the Nakheel-sponsored contest, including G2 Godolphin Mile runner-up Walk Of Stars, who put up the biggest challenge to the winner, ranging up alongside in the final furlong but unable to pass. Meshtri (pictured), making just his fourth career start for Ben Coen and trainer Michael Costa, prevailed by just under a length.
It was a third winner of the season for Coen, who believed his mount had benefitted from his previous run, when fourth to Imperial Emperor.
“My lad was a bit fresh last time, but today with the blinkers on I was able to break well and take a pull around the bend,” he said. “When Tadhg’s horse [Walk Of Stars] came to me he kept on finding more.”
“He’s a horse who has mentally got a lot stronger this season. I think he’s good and comfortable at the mile.”
Perhaps befitting the tough horse it is named after; the Thunder Snow Handicap (sponsored by Nakheel) was something of a battle of attrition.
It went to Lahresh, another making his second start of the season, who outbattled the longtime leader Saayedd inside the final 200metres, winning by just over two lengths for trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri. Third was Go Soldier Go, who made up a remarkable amount of ground having been tailed off early on.
Four-year-old Lahresh was ridden by Silvestre De Sousa
