Dubai World Cup: Ortensia scores one for Australia by going last to first in Al Quoz Sprint
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A powerful late kick by the 7-year-old mare Ortensia carried her from last to first in Saturday’s $1 million Al Quoz Sprint, setting off a celebration from Meydan to Austraila.
Ortensia, an Australian-bred daughter of Testa Rossa, was last of 15 runners early on, but was moved widest of all with less than a quarter-mile to run and she outfinished Sole Power by 1 1/4 lengths. It was a neck back to Joy and Fun in third. ortensi paid $7.20 in United States betting pools.
Regally Ready, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner, faded badly after vying for the early lead and finished 14th, beaten 10 1/4 lengths. Veterinarians did a pre-race check of Regally Ready at the gate before clearing him to run.[bc_video_id:247713:]
Ortensia won for the 11th time in 30 career starts. She was making her first start since last Nov. 19 when she won a Group 1 in Australia.