Godolphin scores in Dubai Millennium Stakes, Nad al Sheba Trophy

The home team fared quite well Thursday at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.

Godolphin, the racing and breeding powerhouse headed by Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, swept the top four placings in the Group 3, $195,000 Nad al Sheba Trophy Stakes and went one-two in the Group 3, $130,000 Dubai Millennium Stakes.

Star Safari won the Dubai Millennium over about 1 1/8 miles on turf, beating Bedouin’s Story by 1 1/4 lengths. William Buick rode the winner for trainer Charlie Appleby, though Bedouin’s Story ran nearly as well in defeat as Star Safari did in victory. Bedouin’s Story broke terribly and spotted the field several lengths, closing well and closing in on Star Safari before the favorite pulled clear in the very late stages. Star Safari, winning his second race in a row at the World Cup Carnival, is a 5-year-old by Sea the Stars out of Intimhir, by Muhtathir.

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In the Nad al Sheba Trophy over about 1 3/4 miles on turf, Saeed bin Suroor-trained runners finished one-two-three, with favored Volcanic Sky home by a nose over Global Heat, who rushed up the rail and just missed. A photo finish separated the next three home as Brilliant Light edged Ispolini and Away He Goes for third, that trio 1 1/4 lengths behind the top two.

Frankie Dettori rode Volcanic Sky, who had the best staying form in the race and won for the first time at the group stakes level. The 6-year-old is by Street Cry out of Short Skirt, by Diktat, and could be a candidate for the Dubai Gold Cup on the Dubai World Cup undercard on March 27.