Twice Over leapt to the head of the market for the Dubai World Cup when beating a strong field in the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan.
Henry Cecil’s six-year-old led a furlong (200m) out under Tom Queally and galloped on strongly to take the Group Two contest over 10 furlongs (2000m) on the Tapeta artificial surface.
Debussy made the running but Twice Over (7-2) was always travelling well and was brought to the centre of the course to make his challenge from his wide draw.
He came home 2-3/4 lengths in front of the favourite Musir with the Marco Botti-trained Gitano Hernando only a nose away third.
“He did it well. He quickened as good as he ever has. He’s not run for a while but he seemed pretty right and did it well,” Queally said.
“We are on the right track anyway. It would have been nice to have run well but to win is a step better.”
Twice Over was slashed to 5-2 from 6-1 with Coral for the Dubai World Cup after his fine performance.
“Twice Over was a most impressive winner on his seasonal return and from a draw that looked far from ideal,” spokesman David Stevens said.
“After that display, he is a worthy favourite for the world’s richest race, as connections look to make amends for last year’s World Cup disappointment.”
PA
