Review: 2018 Godolphin Mile
Heavy Metal Fires Up Meydan
Most awaited event kicks off with the Godolphin Mile. Doug Watson’s dreams of making it a hattrick win were shattered today by Heavy Metal. Sandeep Jadhav trained Heavy Metal won the opening race at DWC 2018. Jim Crowley ridden Muntaza came in second and Japanese sensation Adirato came in third ridden by Christophe Lemaire.
Trainer Jadhav who was training the horse in absence of Salem bin Ghadayer was really happy with his win. “He had a really nice trip. Heavy Metal is a dream horse for the yard. He fought to the winning line and then we all went crazy” Jadhav said. “It’s out of this world, a dream come true.”
“We worked hard to get the lead through the first quarter but then he settled and travelled well for me in front. I was able to fill him up before the turn and into the straight I knew it would take a very big effort to get past me,” Moore said. “It appears a big advantage to be in front on this track and it played to his strengths. He is a terrifically consistent horse.”
Jockey Jim Crowley said “He ran very well. It was his first time on the dirt and he ran very well. The winner got first run and I had to wait for a gap. But it was still a big run. Like I said, for it being his first time on dirt it was a big run.”
Trainer Naosuke Sugai said “To run this well against horses of this level from all the world, I’m thrilled with his efforts.”
Shocking turn of events as favorite Kimbear came in a fighting sixth. Jockey Pat Dobbs said “He caught himself coming out of the gate, but apart from that it was a good run.”
By Apurva Chavan, Racing Writer, apurva.chavan@secretariatsworld.com