Dubai Trackwork Notes, March 23

Following is a look at some of the horses preparing for races on the $30 million Dubai World Cup card, to be run March 28 at Meydan.

$10 million Emirates Dubai World Cup (UAE-I)

California Chrome—Steve Coburn and Perry Martin's California Chrome, the likely Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) favorite, continued his preparation for Saturday's race by galloping 2,400 meters over the Meydan dirt oval on Monday morning.

According to assistant trainer Alan Sherman, the 4-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit   will breeze a quarter mile Tuesday morning at approximately 5 a.m. local time

"He seems to be handling the track well but we will know a little more after the work," Sherman said. "He has run well on every track he has ever been on so it's not a big concern."

A nine-time winner with grade I wins in the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Hollywood Derby on his resume, California Chrome would eclipse the US$10 million mark in career earnings with a win on Saturday.

"I'm just glad the owners decided to run him another year," Sherman said. "The Dubai World Cup has always been on (co-owner Martin) Perry's radar."

Steve Coburn and 77-year-old trainer Art Sherman were scheduled to arrive in Dubai Monday night, with Perry Martin slated to arrive on Wednesday.

"It's a long flight for dad, but he'll be alright. He's not flying coach (class)," Sherman said with a chuckle. 

Candy Boy— Doug Watson saddles Candy Boy who will be making his local debut in the Dubai World Cup. "He is really well and we are delighted with him," said Watson. "We missed Super Saturday to bring him straight to this race and are glad we did. We were warned he is quite lazy at home, and he has been, but we are learning about him all the time. He has been to Meydan to work three times but will do his last piece here at home. "He is a big horse—weighing in about 540kgs (1190 pounds)—and hopefully the turns at Meydan will suit him more than the tighter American tracks."

Epiphaneia—The 2014 Japan Cup winner started jogging and had a canter on the Meydan dirt track on Monday. Assistant trainer Norihiko Kishimoto said:  "It was his third day to come out on the track this morning, and he was very relaxed and in good form. Thanks to all the support from people of Northern Farm, vets and Japan Racing Association, he traveled nicely during the flight and arrived here safely. As for the dirt surface, I felt that once the horse went fast, he got grip of the track. I think Epiphaneia will suit the surface."

Hokko Tarumae—The winner of last year's Champions Cup (former Japan Cup Dirt) cantered over 1,600 meters to 1,800 meters over the Meydan dirt track before getting familiarized with the starting gate on Monday. "I wanted to keep him fresh, and I gave him only an easy canter today," said assistant trainer Masakazu Nishiura. "He went through the travelling very well. He will gallop on Wednesday."

Lea—A top contender for Saturday's race, Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschemeider's Lea galloped 2,400 meters over the Meydan main oval on Monday morning. "He went through his normal routine but he also stood in the gate, and that went very well," said assistant trainer Riley Mott. "He's had three gallops here and is moving very well over the track but you can't fully get a gauge on how much he likes it until you run over it."

The 23-year-old son of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Riley was just a young child when Cigar won the inaugural running of the Dubai World Cup for his dad in 1996. "I don't have much recollection obviously, but I do know how significant this race is to my father and the owners." Mott said. "Not only does the ($10 million) purse stand out, but the prestige is growing by the year."

According to Mott, Lea will have a blow out on either Wednesday or Thursday. "The boss (father Bill) gets into town tomorrow morning and he'll decide exactly what the horse will do," Mott said. "He'll likely go a quarter mile." Jockey Joel Rosario, who been aboard for Lea's most recent starts, is slated to ride on Saturday.

Long River—Salem bin Ghadayer saddles Long River. "It is exciting to have a runner in the Dubai World Cup and we are really looking forward to it," said the trainer. "He has improved fitness-wise since Super Saturday and can hopefully run a nice race."

Side Glance—Andrew Balding's globetrotting eight-year-old shipped into Dubai on Sunday and is due to appear on the track for the first time on Tuesday morning, as he prepares for a third assault on the race in which he has twice finished fourth.

$6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I)

Dolniya—Dolniya, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, came onto the main track at Meydan on Monday morning together with stable companion Cladocera and fellow French-trained Solow. Dolniya did a slow canter for about 600m and then cantered for 1,200 meters. Antoine Creton, traveling head lad for the yard, said: "Dolniya is in good form and we are very happy with her."

Flintshire—Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Andre Fabre yard, was watching Flintshire work on the grass track at Meydan on Monday morning. He said: "Flintshire cantered on the grass track over 1,400 meters. He has traveled well and is in good form."

Harp Star—The winner of the 2014 Group 1 Japanese 1000 Guineas (Oka Sho) did an easy canter on the Meydan dirt track on Monday. The assistant trainer Tsuyoshi Matsuda said: "I asked her to run at the pace of 15 seconds each 200 meters yesterday, so I put her in an easy canter this morning. I would like to say thank you for all the help from Dubai Racing Club, everything went well so far, and she fits very well."

Main Sequence— Main Sequence, the Eclipse Award-winning victor in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park in November, has adapted well to his surroundings at Meydan, according to Alice Clapham, longtime assistant to trainer Graham Motion. "He took to the flight well and has been training well. We've been keeping him to the training track," Clapham said. "Graham gets in this afternoon and we'll decide if we will do something more with him. If we do anything (with regard to more serious work) it will be tomorrow. We may bring him over to the main track on Wednesday to gate train."

One And Only—The 2014 Japanese Derby winner cantered easily for a lap on the Meydan dirt track on Monday. Assistant trainer Shinsuke Hashiguchi said: "We drove him a bit strongly on the home stretch yesterday, so we just stretched his legs this morning. "He keeps his good condition, as he is at home. Everything went smoothly including the travelling. He has not lost any weight. This will be his first race since last December, but there is no concern about it. He will gallop on Wednesday."

Sheikhzayedroad—Runner-up in the group II Dubai City Of Gold sponsored by Emirates Skycargo on March 7, the 6-year-old cantered for one circuit on the main dirt track. "He's fine," said trainer, David Simcock. "He has become a stable favorite and his last run was good."

$6 million DP World Dubai Turf (UAE-I)

Cladocera—Cladocera is trained by Alain de Royer Dupre at Chantilly in France and on Monday morning came onto the main track at Meydan, together with Dolniya and the Freddy Head trained Solow. Travelling head lad Antoine Creton said: "All our horses are well and will continue with a routine gallop, like this morning, over 1200 or 1400m."

Euro Charline—The Marco Botti-trained filly arrived in Dubai on Sunday and is due to clear quarantine on Tuesday.

Farraaj—Oisin Murphy is looking forward to riding the local debutant. "He is a nice new horse in the yard," said Murphy. "He has good form in Europe and Australia so deserves a chance in this company. It is a strong race but I am looking forward to riding him in a race."

Limario—Trainer Doug Watson said: "He was perhaps a little bit disappointing last time when well beaten on Super Saturday. "We expected better and are hoping for more on Saturday in a very strong race.

Mshawish—The Todd Pletcher-trained entire took to the Meydan dirt track shortly before 7 a.m. for an easy gallop one and a half times around the 1800m oval under exercise rider Nick Bush.

Ginny De Pasquale, who will be supervising the son of Medaglia d'Oro, was pleased, remarking: "He was very relaxed. Unbelievably relaxed. He seems to be enjoying himself."

Monday marked the horse's third trip to the track since arriving in Dubai last week. De Pasquale said that Mshawish, who comes into the Dubai Turf off three straight wins at Gulfstream Park in Florida, will school in the Meydan paddock Monday night.

"He's usually pretty good but we'll let him look around tonight so he's focuses on the job on the big night. I'm going to walk over to the paddock myself before we bring him over so I can re-familiarise myself with it," she said.

Solow—The Freddy Head-trained grey Solow was leading fellow French trained Dolniya and Cladocera onto the main track at Meydan on Monday morning. He cantered over 1400m and Regis Babedette, travelling head lad of Freddy Head, confirmed: "I'm very happy with him. He is in really good form and has adapted well to his surroundings. Freddy Head will be here tomorrow but as I said, everything is very well."

The Grey Gatsby—This top-class turf runner, trained in Britain by Kevin Ryan, arrived in Dubai on Sunday and will be eligible to exercise on the main track when he clears quarantine on Tuesday.

Trade Storm—The globe-trotting seven-year-old, runner-up in the group I Jebel Hatta sponsored by Emirates Airline on March 7, completed two laps of the main dirt track at a steady canter. He is due to stretch out with greater purpose on Tuesday morning.

Umgiyo—"He won well on his first start and we have stepped up in trip and class in two subsequent outings," said trainer Mike De Kock. "He has improved with each run and is very fit now. Hunter's Light is out of the race. He would have been a major player and we were not that far behind him the last twice. Johnny Geroudis will ride and we are hoping they go a good gallop, which should help us."

$2 million S&M Al Naboodah Group UAE Derby (UAE-II)

Dear Domus—The colt cantered at a pace of 15 seconds each 200m on the Meydan turf track on Monday. Trainer Yutaka Takahashi said: "The quality of dirt seems to be different from the one at home, so I try to use both dirt and turf course. Travelling abroad for racing is a new experience for me and my horse, so I came here with him. He travelled safely, and I am happy with his good condition."

Faithful Creek—The Brian Meehan-trained three-year-old arrived in Dubai on Sunday and is due to clear quarantine on Tuesday.

Golden Barows—The three-year-old Tapit   colt had an easy canter on the Meydan dirt track on Monday. Assistant trainer Kazutomo Mori said, "He came out on the track for the first time today since he has arrived, so I just cantered him to get familiarised with the new surroundings. He was a bit tense but I do not worry. He will move into a high gear."

Mubtaahij—The Al Bastakiya winner represents Mike de Kock. "We were pretty confident before Super Saturday," said the trainer. "We knew the step up in trip would really suit him and he won the Al Bastakiya well. This is a stronger race with two or three big dangers but our horse is fit, well and proven under the conditions."

My Johnny Be Good—Trainer Eoin Harty watched from the Meydan grandstand as My Johnny Be Good was put through a 400 meter workout under exercise rider Nick Bush, who met the colt in the tunnel heading to the track after having just got off the Dubai Turf contender Mshawish.  Harty clocked the son of Colonel John   in :47 and change.

"He galloped out good," added the trainer.  "He shipped over well and has been doing well since he got here.  I've been here plenty of times so I know what works—or at least I think I do."

The 3-year-old colt is coming in from an eighth-place run in the grade III Tampa Bay Derby in Florida, in which he was beaten nearly 30 lengths. Harty knows the horse is better than he showed in that effort: "In my opinion he was short a workout heading into that  race and he ran like he was short," he said. "The schedule didn't go according to plan."

Tap That—The runner-up in a local group I at NRA-Kawasaki last December did a piece of easy work for one and a half laps of the Meydan dirt track on Monday. Assistant trainer Yuya Shiozu said, "He gets familiarised with the new surroundings and is getting relaxed every day. We will gallop him on Wednesday."

$1 million IPIC Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-I)

Ahtoug—Ahtoug represents Charlie Appleby. "The 1,000 meters at Meydan really suits him," said Appleby. "Obviously it is going to be a competitive race but he should produce a big performance under his optimum conditions."

Amber Sky—Trainer Ricky Yiu: "He's experienced with the travel having won this race last year and the boys in my team said he took it well again. He will be out on the main track on Tuesday hopefully."

Bundle of Joy—Trainer David Hall: "Reports are there were no complications with the trip. I'll be there myself on Tuesday, although he will stay in the quarantine area then. I'm happy enough with the news so far."

Caspar Netscher—One of three intended runners from David Simcock's British stable on Dubai World Cup night, the six-year-old entire completed one circuit of the main dirt track. He is scheduled to round off his preparation with some sharper exercise on Tuesday.

Caspian Prince—Caspian Prince has had four runs during the Dubai World Cup Carnival and managed to make all and win in handicap company. Trainer Tony Carroll is due to overcome his fear of flying to be in Dubai for the race and his six-year-old did not appear on the main track on Monday morning.

Farmah—The François Rohaut-trained Farmah came onto the main track at Meydan on Monday morning. He was ridden by Doric Binot, who said: "We did a slow canter and then just quickened progressively. He worked on Saturday under Paul Hanagan, who was very pleased with that piece of work. All is going well."

Green Mask—The Wesley Ward-trained Green Mask had a strong workout over the Meydan turf course Monday morning, restricting his main activity to the turf chute over which the 1000m race will be run.  Ward is still in the United States and leaving his Florida base on Wednesday. The horse is under the care of longtime Ward assistant Jose Robles who has worked for the Eclipse Award-winning apprentice rider-turned-trainer for 25 years. Green Mask has finished second in both of his starts this year - one at Gulfstream Park and one at Tampa Bay Downs.

Hototo—Fawzi Nass galloped Hototo with stablemate Krypton Factor over 900m on the dirt surface, and said: "They worked together and I was very happy with both of them. "Hototo will trot at home and go swimming at the quarantine centre between now and the race. He had two starts during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, finishing first and second, and we have kept him fresh for the big race as he likes gaps between his races. "We have freshened him up and hopefully he is in top condition. He had three runs here last year but lost his condition before the big night, which is why we didn't run him, but I am much happier with him this time."

Lancelot du Lac—The five-year-old son of Shamardal, who ran consistently at the Dubai World Cup Carnival for trainer Dean Ivory, was not seen out on the main track.

Mirza—Rae Guest's Mirza looked fit during a hit out on the main dirt course.

Peniaphobia—Trainer Tony Cruz said: "He lost a little bit of weight on the flight and the guys say he is a bit quiet, but it's nothing that you would be too worried about. I expect he will be on the main track in the morning. I arrive early on Tuesday and hope to see him out then, too." 

Sole Power— Eddie Lynam, trainer of Sole Power, said: "Sole Power went to the training track this morning. He is used to working on that surface and did a routine canter. "He will go to the grass track on Wednesday morning. He is in good form. He was a bit disappointing on Super Saturday, but hopefully will do better this Saturday."

Stepper Point—Trainer William Muir and his son-in-law and big-race jockey Martin Dwyer caught up with the stable's star performer of 2014 in the quarantine area on Monday morning.  Muir said: "Martin gave him a good trot round the exercise area and I'm very pleased with him, because he lost hardly any weight on the journey.  "He had a spin round Lingfield just over a week ago and is exactly where I want him to be, a lot fitter than this time last year, when he surprised me by winning first time out."

Via Africa—Via Africa will be having her second local start for Mike de Kock. "We were very pleased with her run on Super Saturday," said De Kock of the 6-year-old mare who finished ninth after stalking the leaders early. "She would have needed it but showed a lot of speed before really battling on in the final 200 meters. She has improved a lot since that outing and should be a player in an open race."

$2 million Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I)

Big Macher—Appearing on the Meydan track in the darkness before 5.a.m, the American Grade 1 winner accompanied California Chrome, one of the favourites for the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates, for exercise. Looking alert, Big Macher jogged to the 1,200 meter marker and then galloped about 1,800 meters.  "I'm happy with that," said trainer Richard Baltas. "He's not a very aggressive horse and he looked around a little bit, but he went well. "I think it's good to go (to the track) early. It's cooler and the track is tight because they put some water on it at night." Baltas is a good friend to Art and Alan Sherman, the father-and-son trainer team who condition California Chrome, and he said he is impressed by how well the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner has travelled and performed in his early training in Dubai. "I hope they win and I hope my horse runs well," Baltas said.

Cool Cowboy—Cool Cowboy made his first start for Doug Watson on Super Saturday, finishing fourth in the group III Mahab Al Shimaal. "Considering he missed a month due to sickness and had only galloped four times, we were delighted with him," said Watson. "He understandably was a bit leg weary in the closing stages after a troubled preparation but we needed to run him. "He has one more serious piece of work to do before Saturday, which should put him spot on. It is then a case of hoping for a good, low draw, so fingers crossed."

El Padrino  —El Padrino is due to arrive in Dubai on Tuesday.

Krypton Factor—Fawzi Nass brought both of his Dubai World Cup night contenders to the track this morning for their final blowouts ahead of Saturday, with Krypton Factor bidding to win the 1200m Group 1 for the second time after scoring in 2013.  "It went very well and they worked over 900m on the dirt," said Nass. "I was very happy with him and he will trot and swim between now and Saturday. We thought he would progress from his first run back here after spending last summer in England but he missed the break on his next start and it can be difficult to make up ground on the dirt. Hopefully he can bounce back on Saturday. He maybe isn't where he was two years ago but he is still a battler."

Lucky Nine—Trainer Caspar Fownes said: "He's been on more planes than most people so he took the travel in his stride as usual. He's a very fit horse and he went well in a barrier trial at Sha Tin last week. He'll be out on the main track later in the week, not on Tuesday."

Muarrab, Shaishee—Musabah Al Muhairi is doubly represented and said: "Conditions suit them both and they are in good shape at home. We think they should both be competitive in a strong field."

Rich Tapestry—Trainer Michael Chang said: "He wasn't in top form when he arrived. The vet said he lost weight and was a bit dehydrated.  "He has traveled to Dubai and America before and never had this problem but he seems to be recovering OK and I am hoping we can get him onto the main track on Tuesday morning for trackwork."

Salutos Amigos—David Jacobson and Southern Equine Stables' Salutos Amigos, who has been on the grounds since March 17, galloped 2,400 meters of the Meydan main oval on Monday in preparation for Saturday's race. "The horse shipped over perfect last week and that was a big concern that we had," trainer Jacobson said. "Generally I don't think arriving so many days before a race makes much of a difference, but travelling this far, I do feel comfortable that we came as early as we did. The  Salute the Sarge gelding will breeze 600 meters on Wednesday. "He doesn't need much," Jacobson explained. "He's been running consistently once a month for the last year. He's dead fit. That's one of the benefits of coming over here."  Salutos Amigos enters the Dubai Golden Shaheen on a four-race winning streak. All of those recent scores have come at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. "It (Meydan dirt) is the same track for everybody," Jacobson said. "I don't have a concern about it at all. He's getting well over it. We're confident he'll run his race." Cornelio Velasquez, who has all three times he's been aboard Salutos Amigos, is named to ride on Saturday.

Secret Circle—Ridden by Dana Barnes, the 2013 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner breezed about 800m over the Meydan dirt track, finishing his work in :47 4/5 according to timing by trainer Bob Baffert's former assistant, Eoin Harty, who will saddle My Johnny Be Good in the UAE Derby.  Barnes was smiling as she rode Secret Circle off the track. "He went really well," she said. "He's doing great here. He's eating everything in sight and seems really happy."  Baffert texted Harty soon after the work to obtain the time. The famous white-haired American trainer, who saddled Dubai World Cup winners Silver Charm and Captain Steve, won't be making the trip to Dubai this time, trusting Barnes to "fly solo" with Secret Circle, she said.  A 6-year-old son of Eddington, Secret Circle has been a model of consistency in his 15-race career, winning seven times, finishing second six times (including a runner-up effort in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Sprint) and third once while earning $2,470,790. He is owned by Captain Steve's owner, Michael Pegram, in partnership with Karl Watson and Paul Weitman.

Speed Hawk—Twice placed at Group 3 level during the Carnival, the Robert Cowell-trained four-year-old did not appear on the main track this morning.

Super Jockey—Trainer Tony Millard said: "My wife Bev is with him and she said that he coped with the travel nicely. He is eating up well and seems pretty nicely hydrated, so no problems. Touch wood, he remains the same." 

United Color—Dhruba Selvaratnam saddles United Color, the mount of Oisin Murphy. "He ran well when second on Super Saturday," said Murphy. "The blinkers helped him and we were staying on very strongly. "They went very fast up front that day which was ideal for him and hopefully there will be plenty of pace in Saturday's race."

$1 million Meydan Sobha Godolphin Mile (UAE-II)

Bradester(USA) - The American multiple graded winner galloped 2400m on the Meydan dirt track under exercise rider Julie Stormfelt. "He's enjoying it here," Stormfelt said of the five-year-old. "He's handling everything with no problems." Trainer Eddie Kenneally, who sent out Kelly's Landing to win the 2007 Dubai Golden Shaheen, may opt to breeze Bradester at Meydan this week but Stormfelt said she did not yet know what his final decision would be.

Dark Emerald—Dark Emerald had an easy morning on the main dirt course. Foreman Andrew Bubb said the horse was "just ticking over" after his successful lead-up campaign and did not need any fast gallops leading into Saturday's race.

Forjatt—Dhruba Selvaratnam saddles Forjatt, the mount of Oisin Murphy. "This will only be his fourth run of the season and he has yet to disappoint," said Murphy. "This is the toughest test he has faced but he deserves his chance."

Gold City and Surfer—Trainer Satish Seemar sent his duo out for 800m workouts at his Zabeel Stables base and reported later during a news conference at Meydan that Surfer drilled the distance in :46 and change while Gold City, a less lively worker, completed his move in :48 and change.' "I'm very pleased. Surfer gave his usual sparkling work," Seemar reported, adding that Gold City has never been quick in the mornings but usually follows up with a good effort in his races. Surfer is the trainer's best chance, he advised, but Gold City should not be overlooked "He's very genuine," Seemar added of Surfer, a six-year-old chestnut who won the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 over the Godolphin Mile distance in January and "loves" the new Meydan dirt surface. "I'm going in (to the race) very confident. As of this morning, the horse is in top form." While Gold City has never won a major race, Seemar has never felt disappointed by the gelded six-year-old. "He's a horse that, if given the right pace, could surprise," Seemar said.

Layl—The Doug Watson-trained Layl has progressed from the domestic handicap ranks to get here. "The draw is going to be crucial in this race," said Watson. "Hopefully we get a low berth and, if we do, he should be competitive. His run on Super Saturday was his third outing in less than a month but we had to run him to get him in this race. He ran well enough and we have freshened him up since."

Pylon (SAF) - "He ran as well as we could expect on Super Saturday," said Pylon's trainer Mike de Kock. "We knew he was going to need that outing and he has thrived since then. He should be more competitive this time and, whatever he does on Saturday, he is a horse to look out for next year."

Quadrivium (USA) - Stablemate to Dubai Sheema Classic contender Main Sequence, Quadrivium has had his activity to date confined to the training track according to assistant trainer Alice Clapham. "Graham (trainer, Motion) gets in this afternoon and we'll decide if we will do something more with him," she said.

$1 million Al Tayer Motors Dubai Gold Cup (UAE-II)

Almoonqith, Mushreq, Star Empire—"I was really impressed by Almoonqith's win in the prep race," said Mike De Kock who trains the Dubai Gold Cup trio. "Remember, he had the speed to win over 1600m in January and, for a stayer, he has a very valuable turn of foot. He is a big runner. "Mushreq needs to prove his stamina, while Star Empire ran better behind Almoonqith last time. He was third in this last year and can hopefully collect another check."

Bathyrhon—The Pia Brandt-trained Bathyrhon was galloping on the grass track at Meydan on Monday morning. He left his stable together with fellow French representative Flintshire, but galloped on his own on the grass. Joaquim Brandt, husband of the trainer, said: "Everything went well. He seems in really good form and things are going along just as planned. He really seems to like it here."

Brass Ring—Wayne Smith will be riding Brass Ring for Ismail Mohammed. "He will have needed his first start for us on Super Saturday," said Smith. "He has been going well since and the step up in trip should suit him."

Brown Panther—At 118, Brown Panther is the highest-rated runner ever to turn out in the newest race on the card. The Irish St Leger winner arrived safely in Dubai on Sunday and his general well-being was recorded in a 20-second video sent out on Twitter by travelling head groom Chris Ely. He reported that the seven-year-old had lost "only 8kg" on the journey. Like the other band of British-trained contenders who flew out on Saturday, he will exit quarantine in time to work on the main track on Tuesday morning.

CooptadoMeandre—Trainer Doug Watson said: "Things did not really pan out for him last time when the ground was pretty quick and he did not really stride out on it. "The two miles (3200m) should be ideal and we are hopeful of a good run. Pat Dobbs will ride. "We are stepping Cooptado up in trip and trying him in a ring bit and shadow roll to try to help him concentrate better in his race. Adrie De Vries rides a lot for the owners in Europe and takes the ride. He has won on the horse."

Dormello—Dhruba Selvaratnam steps Dormello up in both class and trip. "He has won both his two most recent starts," said the trainer. "It was a 2200m Group 3 he landed at Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Championship) last time so this will be a different test. "He has to prove his stamina but can quicken well and they tend to not go too quick in these races at Meydan which should help him."

Dubday— Qatar will be represented by Dubday, trained by Jassim Al Ghazali. "He is unbeaten in Qatar," said the trainer. "He was badly hampered in the Dubai Sheema Classic last year and we hope for more luck this time. The extra distance should suit him and we are looking forward to running him.

Havana Beat--The British stayer warmed up for his big-race engagement with a fourth-place finish in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy Empowered by Ipic but did not appear on the main track this morning.

Marzocco—Trainer John Gosden's only Dubai World Cup night runner arrived on Sunday morning and is due to clear quarantine tomorrow.

Watch horses on the track at Meydan March 23: