Presvis Wins Duty Free in Third Try

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 26 (UPI) -- Presvis rallied between horses from the back of the field in the stretch run to win Saturday's $5 million, Group 1 Dubai Duty Free by 3/4 length.

The dramatic rally denied victory to the South African mare, River Jetez, who seized the lead with 200 meters to run but could not hold off Presvis. Wigmore Hall finished another 1 1/2 lengths back in third and Royal Bench was fourth.

Presvis, who finished second in the Duty Free in 2009 and 11th last year, finished this year's running of 1,800 meters, or about 9 furlongs, in 1:50.21 with Ryan Moore up.

"He was the most talked about horse coming into this race," Moore said. "But I didn't feel any additional pressure. He's quite an aggressive animal but he handled well tonight."

The 7-year-old, British-bred Sakhee gelding won for the eighth time in 23 starts but has been close in some other top international races over the years. His biggest previous win was the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong nearly two years ago.

Presvis is trained by Luca Cumani.