Volcanic Sky just holds on in G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Volcanic Sky gamely edged out Global Heat, Brilliant Light and Ispolini as the Godolphin stayers dominated the 14-furlong G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 25 February.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained six-year-old, runner-up over the same course and distance in the Listed Meydan Cup earlier this month, was prominent throughout and tracked Corsen in second after the first furlong and a half.

Volcanic Sky hit the front with half a mile to race as Corsen faded and kicked for home at the top the straight.

The chasing pack of Global Heat, Brilliant Light and Ispolini closed in on the leader entering the final furlong, with Volcanic Sky staying on resolutely for a narrow victory.

Global Heat (Andrea Atzeni) rallied well in the closing stages to go down by a short-head, with Brilliant Light (Pat Cosgrave) finishing third to provide Saeed bin Suroor with a 1-2-3 in the race. The Charlie Appleby-trained Ispolini (William Buick) came home fourth to complete the Godolphin clean sweep.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Volcanic Sky is a tough horse, who always tries really hard. He is a big, strong type, who always improves for a run. Frankie was in a nice position all the way and I thought he had a chance of winning in the last two furlongs. He finished his race really well.

“We will keep the option open for him and it could be that we take him to the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on Dubai World Cup Night.

“All three of my horses had run at the Carnival already this season and were fit tonight. We will see whether any of them receive an invitation for the Dubai Gold Cup but it would be great to see one of them there.”

Frankie Dettori added: “I had to take the initiative halfway round the turn because the leader dropped away. I kicked and got first run on others. Volcanic Sky lost concentration a bit in the end but he has been running well all season and deserved a big one.

“He is very honest and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is always there to be shot at but you know he always going to finish in the frame or win, like he did tonight. They don’t come any more consistent than him, so well done to the team.”