Country Grammer, owned by Amr Zedan along with WinStar Farm and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, won Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) by 1 ¾-lengths over Hot Rod Charlie, with post time favorite Life Is Good nosed out for the third spot.
Country Grammer may have been overshadowed by WinStar-owned Life Is Good in the lead-up to the race, but the 5-year-old earned the spotlight with a very gritty effort as he passed Life Is Good inside the final furlong, then held off Hot Rod Charlie’s move up the inside to get the win.
“Ladies and gentlemen, that’s Bob Baffert right there,” Zedan proclaimed of the horse’s trainer after the race. “I am overwhelmed. This is an amazing feeling. I can’t believe it. I am so overjoyed.”
After winning the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) last May 31, Country Grammer was away from the races until last month’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) where he finished a game second. Saturday’s win upped his earnings to $10,837,320 with a record of 4-2-1 in 10 starts. He also has a victory in the Peter Pan S. (G3)
“That’s racing at its best,” said Elliott Walden, CEO, president, and racing manager of WinStar Farm. “This is why we ran Country Grammer as well. Life Is Good didn’t quite show up like he could but Country Grammer was a great option. We knew he’d get the mile-and-a-quarter.”
