DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 31 (UPI) -- Ortensia, representing Australia, rallied down the middle of the course to win Saturday's $1 million Al Quoz Sprint by 1 1/4 lengths.
Sole Power, an Irish entry, was second in a close battle with the Hong Kong-based Joy and Fun.
The 1,000-meters, about 5 furlongs, was run down the straight over the Meydan Race Course turf and took 57.98 seconds.
Regally Ready, winner of last fall's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, showed brief speed but faded to finish well back in the field and remains winless in three starts since his last victory in November.
Ortensia, trained by Paul Messara, started from the No. 10 gate and jockey Craig Williams let him find his rhythm through the first half of the sprint. With about 250 meters to go, Ortensia responded to urging and quickly drew clear.
The 6-year-old, Australian-bred mare won for the 11th time in her 30th start. She now has won three straight, dating back to a pair of victories in November. Most of her races were in Australia.
