On 27th March, in the $2 million UAE Derby (UAE-II) at Meydan Racecourse, the top two finishers were saddled by trainer Mike de Kock, with favored Musir outlasting filly Raihana by 1 3/4 lengths on Dubai World Cup night.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum is the owner of both Musir and Raihana, both are bred in Australia and are 4-yesr-olds. The third place was won by Mendip, the Al Bastakiya Stakes winner last month at Meydan.

It was Christophe Soumillon who rode Musir. The jockey had to guide his mount from last, closing ground along the rail in deep stretch to pass both Raihana and Mendip. The final time was 1:57.44 for nearly 1 3/16 miles on Tapeta.

The winner is by Redoute's Choice, out of the Encosta de Lago mare Dizzy De Lago, which was the fifth UAE Derby win for de Kock.

There was improvement seen for Musir to 5-1-0 from six lifetime starts. He hasn't lost in three starts this year and has won all three at Meydan. In 2009, the bay colt raced for de Kock in South Africa and was able to win the group I Golden Horseshoe Stakes last July.

Daughter of Elusive Quality, Raihana was entering off a victory in the UAE Oaks Feb. 25 at Meydan.

Since Irish-bred Timely Jazz broke down heading into the final turn, it had to be pulled out.

All the 3-year-olds from the Northern Hemisphere and 4-year-olds from the Southern Hemisphere were allowed to participate in the UAE Derby.