Sulamani wins Canadian International

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Sulamani closed with a rush to post an impressive victory in the 67th running of the $1.5 million at Woodbine Sunday.

Frankie Dettori rode the England-based Sulamani for Godolphin and trainer Saeed bin Suroor, the same combination which captured the 2000 International with Mutafaweq. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said in the winner's circle that Sulamani would likely be retired.

"Sheikh Mohammed was on the phone with me after the race, and he indicated that the horse has achieved so much, and has had so much international acclaim, that he deserves a place at stud," Crisford said.

Sulamani raced in ninth early in the mile and a half turf event, as Burst of Fire set fractions of :24.58 and :49.86 seconds, before being overtaken by Sabiango, who got the mile split in 1:38.95.

The 10-horse field bunched up on the far turn, where Sulamani was blocked behind a wall of horses along the rail. Simonas, a 21-1 shot from Germany, rallied strongly exiting the turn to take control with three-sixteenths left, but Sulamani came wide and overhauled him just inside the eighth pole, before drawing off to win by a length and a half.

Brian Boru overcame traffic problems and a slow start to finish another two lengths back in third. The order of finish was completed by Mubtaker, King's Drama, Senor Swinger, Burst of Fire, Colorful Judgement, Sabiango and Lenny the Lender. Ecomium was scratched.

The final time was 2:28.64 seconds over a course labeled good.

Dettori said everything came together for Sulamani, after a few tense moments on the far turn.

"As the race unfolded, he picked the bridle up, but then a couple of dead horses came back into my lap," Dettori explained. "For a minute, I thought of gambling going inside, but I managed to get on the tail of (Simonas), who was going really well, and when (Sulamani) kicked, he opened up the race for me. He has a tremendous turn of foot."

Sulamani returned $3.70, and headed an exactor worth $59.60. The triactor returned $214.80, and the superfecta was worth $359.

With first prize of $900,000 Sulamani vaulted over $5 million mark in earnings. A 5-year-old by Hernando, Sulamani has nine wins, including six group/grade 1 victories, in 17 starts. His earnings total $5,252,368.