Channel Maker, Pink Kamehameha Among Dubai Arrivals
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Photo: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Douglas DeFelice
Pink Kamehameha trains Feb. 16 before winning the Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racetrack
Reigning champion male turf horse Channel Maker and Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Derby winner Pink Kamehameha are settling in at Meydan after arriving Feb. 21 as part of a nine-horse contingent with designs on the March 27 Dubai World Cup card.
Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) hopefuls Sleepy Eyes Todd and Tacitus were also aboard the two-hour flight after finishing fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Feb. 20 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack.
Channel Maker, trained like Tacitus by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, will be among the favorites for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) off his game runner-up finish in the Neom Turf Cup on the Saudi Cup undercard.
The Steve Asmussen-trained Cowan holds nominations for both the UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates NBD (G2) and the Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments (G1).
"We will see how he trains before deciding exactly what to do with him next," Asmussen said. "I think he deserves the opportunity to be considered."
Pink Kamehameha and Saudi Arabian Airlines Riyadh Dirt Sprint 1-2 finishers Copano Kicking and Matera Sky were also on the flight, as was Dubai World Cup-bound Chuwa Wizard, along with another dirt sprinter, Justin. Pink Kamehameha will attempt to pull off the 'Middle East Derby Double' and may be joined by stablemate France Go de Ina in the gate. Copano Kicking, Matera Sky, and Justin will likely get a rematch leading up to the Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News (G1).