Viva Pataca did everything right, loomed to win but ultimately had no answer to emerging South African filly Sun Classique, who streaked away to win last night's US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic by 23/4 lengths.
The questions about the pace in the race were answered in a heartbeat after the gate opened, with American entrant Spring House running them along so quickly that the winner's time of 2:27.45 was only 0.05 seconds outside the course record.
Viva Pataca's owner, Stanley Ho Hung-sun, seemed disappointed with finishing second, but jockey Darren Beadman told him to be proud of Hong Kong's representative in his first foray on foreign soil.
'Dr Ho, that was a tremendous run, he's done you proud,' Beadman said. 'I really have no excuses. He crossed nicely from the wide barrier, there was a lot of speed on and he had cover all the way.
'We moved into the race nicely, always having cover and when I produced him to the outside he quickened up beautifully.'
Beadman said that as the field charged to the championship furlong, the final 200 metres, he thought Viva Pataca would emulate Vengeance Of Rain, who lifted the Sheema Classic last year off a much slower tempo.
'He came to win the race but just peaked on his run,' Beadman said. 'The filly had a much easier run and she's drawn away from us in the final stages. I think she must be a pretty good filly, by the same token,' the jockey added.
