Certerach fades as Vazirabad scores

Certerach gave a bold sight but ultimately came up short as Vazirabad was delivered late and cool by Christophe Soumillon to deny Michael Bell's Big Orange in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan.

Certerach won this prize for Michael Halford in 2014 and, with Big Orange, established a clear lead for much of the two-mile contest, only to be swamped at the top of the straight and he dropped to the rear of the field.

Soumillon sat a long way off the pace on Alain de Royer-Dupre's Vazirabad, while Jamie Spencer kicked two furlongs out and took a couple of lengths out of the field on Big Orange.

But Vazirabad drew level and looked set to score comfortably although, to Big Orange's credit, he pulled out a bit more and made the favourite work hard for victory.

Despite Soumillon putting up 1kg overweight, Vazirabad continued his winning run for France. Suegioo, having his first start for Richard Fahey, made good late headway to finish fourth, beaten in a photo for third by Haafaguinea.

Royer-Dupre said: "They went quick and I knew he would be at the back. He has a good turn of foot and they had gone too quick early. I'm sure he's good.

"I don't know if we'll stay at long distances, he could go for the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud as I know he is special."

RaceBets cut Vazirabad to 6-1 from 9-1 for the Ascot Gold Cup.

Bell was delighted with Big Orange and said: "The winner is very good but he had to pull out all the stops to beat us. I'm hugely proud, it was a very good run."

Spencer added: "I had a perfect trip and the horse has given his all. No complaints, we were beaten by a good horse."

James Doyle said of Saeed bin Suroor's Haafaguinea: "It was a monster effort. He had a smooth trip and I'm delighted with him."