L’Amour De Ma Vie (right): beaten by Certify last time out

 PICTURE: Andrew Watkins

L’Amour beats Certify to land Balanchine

Report: Meydan, Thursday

Balanchine Sponsored By District One (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) 1m1f

L’AMOUR DE MA VIE hammered her rivals in the Group 2 Balanchine as odds-on favourite Certify had to settle for a disappointing fourth.

Balanchine result 

The Pia Brandt-trained five-year-old was beaten comfortably by Certify last month but reversed the form in fine style winning by a length and three quarters from Flotilla with Pearl Of Africa a short head back in third. L’Amour De Ma Vie travelled in second behind a steady pace set by Cheshire Oaks winner Banoffee with Certify taking a keen hold in second-last place. Certify, previously unbeaten, made a successful return to the track last month after missing her entire three-year-old campaign due to being one of the 22 Godolphin horses suspended from racing for six months following the BHA disciplinary inquiry last year at which her trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni received an eight-year ban. The 2-5 favourite, now trained by Charlie Appleby, was reluctant to enter the stalls at the start and took a keen hold under Mickael Barzalona in the early stages of the race and had to settle for fourth behind three horses she easily beat last time out. Turning for home jockey Maxime Guyon kicked for the line and comfortably drew clear from the pack handing a first UAE winner to the jockey and trainer. “She ran a great race last time when caught close home and has enjoyed this extra furlong here,” said Guyon. “I am delighted as it is my first winner in Dubai and hopefully she will be back on Super Saturday.”

fonte : RacingPost