Jet Plane takes off for sprint glory
South African superstar JJ The Jet Plane got himself out of trouble to justify his favourite billing in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan.
Trained by Michael ’Lucky’ Houdalakis, the six-year-old is an experienced traveller, having spent a period with Richard Hannon in England, and had won his previous start at the course.
But jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe found himself stuck in a pocket in the middle part of the race and it was only the speed of JJ The Jet Plane – dropping down to five furlongs from his usual six – that helped him hit the front close home to beat French raider War Artist by a head.
“I could hardly see the race, but at one point it looked like he was travelling sideways,” admitted Houdalakis.
“We were always confident and we ran over the shorter trip because he prefers the grass. He means the world to me. We’ll now go to Singapore then maybe the July Cup (at Newmarket).”
Meanwhile, the Mick Halford-trained mare Invincible Ash ran a big race to be fourth for Johnny Murtagh, who said: "I thought I had it. I pulled out behind War Artist, I thought I would pick him off and then I didn't see JJ coming from behind me and he got the pair of us.''
Dandy Nicholls’ Inxile was sixth under the trainer’s son, Adrian, who said: “He has run the race of his life. He likes different ground, so he has run very well.”
Edward Lynam’s Nunthorpe Stakes winner Sole Power was down the field in 14th. His rider Wayne Lordan said: “He jumped keenly and when I let him down he didn’t find much.”
Frankie Dettori ensured there would be success on the night for Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed with a strong ride on Skysurfers to land the Group Two Godolphin Mile.
Now five, the 4-1 favourite was Listed-placed in Britain last season and had looked improved with a victory over this course and distance last month.
Dettori needed to roust his mount all the way to the line with Mufarrh putting up a determined challenge down the straight, but the Italian put him half a length in front close home.
“I knew I was on the best horse in the race, but being drawn 13 or 14 didn’t help,” said Dettori. “I got a position three-wide and a better draw would have made a couple of lengths difference.”
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “He’s a Listed horse and he was spot on for this race, which is an important one for us to win. We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it regarding plans.”
