Extravagant Kid marked his 50th start in style March 27 at Meydan.
The 8-year-old Kiss the Kid gelding traveled from the United States to upset the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments (G1T) with a half-length score over the Godolphin filly Final Song, with Acklam Express in third.
"What an unbelievable race," said owner David Ross. "His trainer Brendan Walsh had a good feeling about him, he came into the race well, Brendan had him prepped well. He really liked the venue here and we thought we would take advantage. As an 8-year-old, what about that?"
It was Extravagant Kid's first graded stakes score for Walsh, who from two career Dubai World Cup Day starts now has two winners. The trainer sent out Plus Que Parfait to win the 2019 UAE Derby Sponsored By Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2). Extravagant Kid became the first American-trained winner of the Al Quoz Sprint.
The 13-horse field for the 1,200-meter (six furlong) race split into two groups, with three runners heading toward the inside and the remainder racing on the stands' side. Ryan Moore produced an inspired ride when he took the eventual winner from post 8 toward the outside and launched his attack to take the lead in the final furlong. The final time was 1:09.26 on firm turf.
"It was a very messy race. The speed looked like it was going to be stands' side but we had to make a decision," said Moore. "Space Blues and Khaadem were going; they were the best horses and gave me a bit of toe.
"(Extravagant Kid) is a very talented horse. He ran super race at Keeneland (when fourth in the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, G1T), I'm delighted for Brendan. Have to watch out for him when he comes back here."
It was a return to turf for Extravagant Kid, who finished second by a neck Jan. 1 in the five-furlong Janus Stakes at Gulfstream Park. and second in the Colonel Power Stakes, which was taken off the turf Feb. 13 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The gelding has been a warrior for DARRS and trainer Brendan Walsh since they started racing him in 2018. Out of 26 starts with Walsh, he has eight wins and 12 seconds.
"No credit must go to me, I just put the saddle on," a modest Walsh remarked. "My lad here looked after him and he was very pleased with him."
Extravagant Kid has won 15 times and placed in 23 races out of 50 starts. Bred in Florida by Vicino Racing Stable, he is the first foal out of the winning With Distinction mare Pretty Extravagant, whose three starters have all been winners. The mare dropped a Bernardini colt March 2 and has a 2-year-old colt by Keen Ice named Pretty Keen.
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