Dubai World Cup next stop for Hot Rod Charlie after Al Maktoum Challenge triumph

Doug O’Neill is hoping “there are more chapters to come” after his Pennsylvania Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie romped to victory in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 in the Dubai World Cup Carnival on Friday.

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900mWinner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200mWinner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600mWinner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600mWinner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900mWinner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900mWinner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800mWinner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

Hot Rod Charlie, under Godolphin jockey William Buick, raced prominently from the front on his Meydan debut to win from Al Nefud and Ever Fast by five and-a-quarter lengths and seven and-a-half lengths respectively.

“It's been such a great journey, let’s hope there are more chapters to come,” said O’Neill, who was completing a double on the night after Get Back Goldie won the second race, also under Buick.

“We took a little different approach with him, we didn’t train him too hard going into this. However, we knew we had plenty of time to get him ready for the Dubai World Cup.

“It was a special night for sure. He’s a horse who’s just loaded with class. It was a strong field tonight. William