Padmanabhan trained In The Spotlight was a gallant fourth in a four horse photo finish in the 2410 metres Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises race under floodlights at the Meydan on Thursday. On a day dominated by the Godolphin horses, India`s champion five year old mare gave tremendous hopes before weakening in the final strides of the race against a high quality international field to eventually finish fourth. Anatolian finished powerfully measuring the Indian horse who had quickened for home at the final turn. Anatolian was closely followed by Ahzeemah, Star Empire and In The Spotlight.

In The Spotlight was widely expected to have a decisive say in the race considering her impressive credentials back home though she was meeting international opposition for the first time in her career in totally alien conditions. She was racing on a left-handed course for the first time in her career apart from the fact that the lights as well as the timing of the race were bound to have a bearing because she had not experienced them before. She was the only filly in the field of 16 runners and had no advantage of weight. Despite the obvious short comings she was backed down to favoritism with the English bookmakers.

	Sir Henry Cecil with Capt Jamshed Appoo during the paddock parade of sixth race in which In The Spotlight finished a close fourth. Sir Henry had come to wish the connections

In The Spotlight had certainly created great buzz locally and there was large Indian presence. England`s legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil who was in Dubai came to the paddock to cheer the connections. The excitement was discernible as the field set out for the grueling trip with Sham Sheer setting the pace. The pace in the early part of the race was slow and In The Spotlight was certainly not relishing it as she showed an inclination to bolt at the first bend. However, English jockey Ryan More was firmly in control and the five year old mare settled down to race behind the pace setter.

With about four furlongs left in the race, Ryan Moore decided to push In The Spotlight to take over the running. The five year old daughter of Alnasr Alwawsheek picked up momentum to open up a lead of few lengths which certainly raised hopes. However, Michael Barzalona who was tracking In The Spotlight on Anatolian quickly alerted his horse and went in chase of the front runner. In The Spotlight fought on gallantly digging deep into her reserves but in the final strides of the race she tired out. Anatolian, Star Empire and Ahzeemah pushed her to the fourth slot. A head, neck and neck separated the first four runners.

Surely it was a commendable performance by In The Spotlight who was racing after October. She is expected to three in the next four weeks and considering the fact that she thrives on racing, she should be better off for this effort.

Padmanabhan who had hoped to get his first overseas win said: I am not disappointed by the performance of In The Spotlight. She had to overcome several handicaps which she did remarkably. She handled the conditions very well and showed excellent temperament. A faster pace or a longer trip would have suited In The Spotlight. This run is encouraging for me to target her for the next assignment with greater confidence.``

In The Spotlight (3) finishing close 4th in the Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises race

Sir Henry Cecil told Padmanabhan: ``In The Spotlight has given a brave performance. She is not disgraced in defeat. You can target her for the next race with greater confidence.``

Capt Jamshed Appoo in whose colors the horse ran said:` I was pretty optimistic about In The Spotlight winning. The champion horse gave her heart out. I am sure of a great performance in her next assignment.``

Jockey Ryan Moore said the five year old mare ran a great race. She is bound to improve on this run, he added.

Mike De Kock trained Soft Falling Rain in the 1400m all-weather surface trial, the second meeting of the 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival to ehance her credentials for the Guineas.

The rest of the meeting was dominated by Godolphin trainer Mahmoud Al Zarooni and jockey Mickael Barzalona who combined to win half of the six races, highlighted by the win of Music Chart in the UAE 1,000 Guineas Trial, also over 1400m on the all-weather.

Barzalona produced Music Chart to lead close home, just as he had done in the previous 2000m turf handicap on Laajooj who denied stable companion, Naqshabban in the dying strides of a thrilling finish.

The treble was completed in the concluding 2410m turf handicap with Anatolian holding off the late challenge of the Bin Suroor-trained Ahzeemah to complete a great night for trainer and jockey. In The Spotlight was not far from the winner.