Flash Fire gives Godolphin first Carnival winner

Godolphin celebrated a first Dubai World Cup Carnival victory of 2017 when Flash Fire captured the final race on the opening card staged at Meydan on Thursday, January 5.
 
Flash Fire, trained by Charlie Appleby and partnered by William Buick, was drawn towards the outside of the 16-strong field for the seven-furlong Longines Dolce Vita Handicap on turf.
 
The five-year-old son of Shamardal broke well from stall 14 and raced towards the outside in 13th place as a strong pace was set up by the top-weight Ghaamer.
 
Flash Fire, 12th into the straight, came with a powerful run to lead at the distance and won easily by two and a half lengths in 1m 23.01s on ground described as good.
 
Charlie Appleby commented: “I am delighted with Flash Fire’s performance. As the winner of the Victoria Cup, he has always had ability.
 
“We gelded him after his last run and that has certainly turned him around.
 
“The wide draw was a major concern tonight but the strong pace suited him and he has won well. We will see what the handicapper decides before making any plans.”
 
William Buick said: “The horses ran well here last week and it is nice to get on the board for the Carnival. This horse has probably deserved it more than most and the race panned out quite well for him.
 
“He has got plenty of pace. They went pretty quick and he got into a rhythm in mid-division and then picked up really good in the straight. This is his sort of grade and that is his trip I think.
 
“I think he can improve and I hope he can because he is in a spot where he needs to really. He has been in good shape and we thought he would run well, so this is not a surprise.”