Bennett Racing’s globetrotting 4yo Ardakan ran a brave 4th under top Australian rider Damian Lane when a 6 Len 4th in the 1 Mil Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup.
Aradakan was having just his 4th run for Bennett Racing had previously ran 4th in the 1 Mil Aqueduct Invitational Derby and 3rd & 2nd in Gr3 events in Dubai. The colt was a previous winner of the Gr2 Italian Derby.
Ardakan has been shipped to Dubai by trainer Marco Botti with the Gr2 Gold Cup in mind and his lead up form had been excellent. The previously mentioned 2nd & 3rds had shown that the 3200m of the Gold Cup would suit him beautifully.
Te colt jumped well from the wide barrier and Damian elected to ease him over gradually. The speed was only just and the colt trapped wide early in the race. Damian then eased him back to the rear of the field and soon got him in a good rhythm. Set alight before the turn for the long run home , Ardakan moved up stylishly out wide and momentarily looked the winner but the early work and making up the ground, took its toll and the colt finished up a very respectable and brave 4th.
Plans are for Ardakan to compete at Royal Ascot before heading down under for a possible tilt at the Melbourne Cup. A terrific effort by Marco Botti and Lucy, his travelling work rider to have the horse compete so well on the International stage.
The 4th placing took Ardakans prizemoney to around 900k in 11 starts netting 2 wins 3 2nds and 3 3rds.
Many of Ardakan’s Australian & overseas owners made the trip to Dubai and his great effort made the trip more memorable.
