Rio De La Plata rolled back the years as he claimed Group One success in the Premio Vittorio di Capua at San Siro and completed a memorable double for Godolphin.
Frankie Dettori was content to bide his time early on aboard the son of Rahy but he was always travelling well and after making good headway, he took it up a furlong and a half out.
He initially kicked clear but Vanjura emerged from the pack and Rio De La Plata dug deep to register a gutsy short neck verdict.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "Rio De La Plata ran a huge race today and I am delighted that he has won another Group One. He was always travelling well and Frankie had him in a nice position throughout the race.
"I was a little concerned about the ground today but it rode like good to soft and he finished his race well. There are no plans for him at the moment but we will have to look at winning another Group One race with him now."
Biondetti had earlier got the bandwagon rolling as he landed the Group One Gran Criterium.
Trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni and partnered by Ahmed Ajtebi, the Bernardini colt arrived with two victories in as many starts to his name.
Ajtebi only got his mount on top inside the final furlong and while the Mick Channon-trained Singapore Lilly tried to challenge, Biondetti held on by half a length.
Al Zarooni said: "Biondetti ran a very good race today and he won quite nicely in the end - Ahmed didn't have to be too hard on him. He was still a bit green but he has improved with every appearance and I am very pleased to have won a Group One contest with him.
"I don't know if he will run again this year. We will see how he comes out of this race and then discuss any further plans."
Posts
