by Steve Bailey

South African trainer Mike de Kock added another victory on the Dubai World Cup program to his impressive resume on Saturday as Honour Devil took over midway down the long Nad al Sheba stretch and drew off to a 4 ¼-length victory in the $2-million S & M al Naboodah United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2).

The Southern Hemisphere three-year-old Honour and Glory colt won the rubber match under jockey Johnny Murtagh in his third consecutive start against stablemate Royal Vintage, and gave de Kock the seventh World Cup program victory of his career. De Kock trained last year’s U.A.E. Derby winner, Asiatic Boy, and Honour Devil’s win gave him four career victories in the classic race.

Honour Devil, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, was beaten by a head by South African Group 2 winner Royal Vintage in the Mujahid Al Bastakiya on March 6 at Nad al Sheba in his previous start. Prior to that, he defeated Royal Vintage by a half-length in the Gulf News U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) on February 14.

“He’s a very nice horse," Murtagh said. "When I rode him the first time, I liked him. I wasn’t disappointed the last time, but I didn’t ride him very well. He showed today what a real champion he is.”

Zayat Stables' Grade 3 winner Massive Drama was rated in second by jockey Garrett Gomez as Iide Kenshin set the pace through the first part of the trip and Massive Drama surged to the front with about 800 meters remaining.

Royal Vintage took his shot on the inside while Honour Devil made his move on the outside, and Massive Drama could not continue with the leaders. Honour Devil seized command with about 500 meters remaining and powered to victory, covering 1,800 meters (8.95 furlongs) in 1:48.60.

Royal Vintage held for second, 3 ¾ lengths in front of Meydan U.A.E. One Thousand Guineas and Al Tayer Motors U.A.E. Oaks winner Cocoa Beach.

Massive Drama faded late and finished ninth of ten horses. Trainer Dale Romans left the paddock quickly to make sure nothing had happened to the horse.

For de Kock, the victory further solidified his already rock-solid reputation as the Dubai International Racing Carnival's top international trainer.

"He ran fantastic," de Kock said. "I was happy with his position throughout the race, but I was pleased with both of them, to be honest.

"We have the Breeders' Cup [Dirt] Mile (G1) definitely in mind for Honour Devil."

Bred in Argentina by Stud Aladino S. A., Honour Devil has now won four of five career starts and earned $1,405,752.

For a replay of this and other races on the Dubai World Cup card, click here.

Steve Bailey is Thoroughbred Times deputy news editor