by Myra Lewyn

Happy Boy, one of the best dirt runners in Brazil, dazzled in his Dubai debut as he romped to a nine-length triumph over fellow Brazilian-bred Gloria de Campeao in the $200,000 Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (UAE-G3) on Thursday, opening day of the Dubai International Racing Carnival at Nad al Sheba.

The five-year-old Ski Champ horse foiled the comeback of Godolphin’s Brazilian-bred Imperialista, who was making his first start in more than nine months and finished seventh under Frankie Dettori in his bid for a second straight victory in the 1,600-meter (7.95-furlong) race.

Happy Boy had no trouble handling the shorter distance of the Maktoum Challenge after annexing a 2,400-meter (11.93-furlong) Group 3 race in Brazil on November 11 in his previous start.

Happy Boy overcame an awkward start, and raced along the rail under jockey Jose Aparecido Da Silva, who rallied him approximately 300 meters out. He eagerly took command and was visually impressive as he led home a procession of 15 challengers while covering the trip in 1:36.37.

Trained by Pedro Nickel Filho, Happy Boy became a possible candidate for the $6-million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 29 as he notched his third group victory while improving to six wins in ten career starts.

“He was only beaten once in five starts on dirt in Brazil and we were confident of a win, but we never imagined he would win like that,” said Eduardo Guimaraes, racing manager for owner Roberto A. L. Reichert.

“We will look at the next rounds of the Matkoum Challenge and hopefully he can be a Dubai World Cup horse.”

Frosty Secret, a Florida-bred Put It Back colt who was third in the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct last year, finished third, a head behind Gloria De Campeao.

Bred by Haras Torrao de Ouro, Happy Boy is out of the Filago mare Ultra Maresca.

For a replay of the race, click here.

Myra Lewyn is daily news editor of Thoroughbred Times