Bomber fourth in UAE Derby Lancaster Bomber finished an honourable fourth in the UAE Derby at Meydan. Aidan O'Brien's Dewhurst and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up travelled in mid-division and looked like he could play a part in the finish at the top of the straight, only to stay on at one pace, as Thunder Snow got up in the shadow of the post to deny Japanese raider Epicharis. Winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas on his dirt debut, Thunder Snow appeared to have everything under control as he travelled up to the quarters of Epicharis. However, inside the final furlong, Thunder Snow jinked to his right, catching Christophe Soumillon off balance and handing the initiative to his Far East rival. To his immense credit, Thunder Snow knuckled down again, regained top speed and narrowly prevailed in a photo to give Saeed bin Suroor an eighth win in the race. "It wasn't an easy race, but the horse is a champion," said Bin Suroor. "He was a Group One winner in France, won the Guineas here and to win the UAE Derby is great. The jockey gave him a brilliant ride." Victory means he is automatically qualified for the Kentucky Derby but Bin Suroor would not be drawn on future targets. He said: "We'll talk to Sheikh Mohammed before making any plans."
