Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby finished off his Meydan campaign with a third successive hat-trick as Cross Counter, Blue Point and Old Persian all recorded victories at the Dubai World Cup.
The Newmarket handler has been a class apart over the last 12 months, and with William Buick in the saddle, his services were in safe hands at the world’s richest horse race meeting.
Old Persian’s dominant victory in the Sheema Classic confirmed a treble for the Godolphin duo following the previous triumphs of Cross Counter in the Dubai Gold Cup and Blue Point in the Al Quoz Sprint.
The sire of Dubawi was in firm control throughout the $6 million race. As the eight runners swung into the homestretch, the Norwegian-born jockey was able to move clear and established a winning break before the final 200 metres.
Buick, winning the Sheema Classic for a record fourth time, said: “That was fantastic. All my Sheema Classic wins have been very special and this was right up there. It’s great when it comes off.
“Christophe (Lemaire) slackened the pace a bit and I was trapped rounding the bend. I managed to get out and the horse showed what a good turn of foot he’s got at the end of a race like that.”
Appleby said: “William made a concerted move on the turn to make sure he got out and I thought it was a fantastic ride.
“I’m not sure where this horse will go, but thinking long-term, we may have ParisLongchamp on our minds (Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe).”
Blue Point, meanwhile, cemented his status as one of the best sprinters in the world with an impressive victory in the Al Quoz Sprint.
The Appleby trained horse has been in outstanding form throughout the Dubai World Cup Carnival, with wins in the Meydan Sprint and Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint.
Blue Point broke well and Buick was happy to stay composed, until 200metres from home, where he made his move.
The sire of Shamardal quickly asserted and put the race to bed, crossing the line one length clear of Belvoir Bay.
