Mendip books UAE Derby place

Mendip strode well clear of a quality field under Frankie Dettori to lift the opening thoroughbred race on Super Thursday at Meydan.

Dettori was aboard Mendip (11-4) in the Listed Al Bastakiya with Ahmed Ajtebi riding Godolphin stablemate Vale Of York (5-2 favourite), last seen when winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Della Barba took them along at a sedate pace for much of the nine-furlong event but as soon as Mendip was set alight in the home straight, he came right away to keep his record at three wins from three starts.

Vale Of York was not disgraced but was unable to make the frame.

“It was a bit of a slow race but I was in a good position and he showed a good turn of foot,” said Dettori.

“This was only his third start and there is some improvement left.

“If he goes for the UAE Derby hopefully the extra distance will make all the difference.”