Dubai Trackwork Notes, March 24

Following is an update from March 24 on 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—With exercise rider Dana Barnes in tow, Dubai World Cup contender California Chrome breezed a half mile early Tuesday morning in :50 over a fast Meydan main track.

"He got the last eighth in 11 seconds," said Alan Sherman, assistant and son of trainer Art Sherman. "We just wanted to stretch his legs. If he's not fit by now, it's too late."

With all six of his wins as a 3-year-old coming against restricted company, California Chrome took full advantage of his sophomore season to claim Eclipse Award honors as Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male, but Sherman believes he can be as successful now that he is facing older horses.

"He's not a real heavy horse but I do think he's grown into his 4-year-old season and that he's a lot stronger," Sherman said. "I'm just glad the owners (Steve Coburn and Perry Martin) decided to run him another year."

Jockey Victor Espinoza, who has partnered with Chrome for his last 11 runs, will be back aboard for Saturday's Dubai World Cup.

BLOOD-HORSE STAFF: Dubai Trackwork Notes, March 23

African Story, Prince Bishop—African Story won the Dubai World Cup last year when it was run on the all-weather surface.

Meydan switched to a dirt track in 2014 and African Story has now experienced the new track along with Godolphin's other Dubai World Cup contender, Prince Bishop.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "Both African Story and Prince Bishop worked on Saturday and are happy and in good condition.

"It will be very tough racing against California Chrome from America, though our horses have been doing very well.

"They have been getting used to the dirt this year but they don't like the kickback and need to be prominent in the race.

"Prince Bishop has to start better—he came from last to second in the final round of the Al Maktoum Challenge. African Story was victorious in last year's Dubai World Cup and is now back in peak form."

Candy Boy—The Candy Ride   colt remains in good form according to trainer Doug Watson. "He did his final serious gallop yesterday (Monday) morning and went well," said Watson. "We are looking forward to Saturday."

Epiphaneia—Representatives of trainer Katsuhiko Sumii said the Japanese contender had an easy canter on the Meydan dirt track and  has adapted to the new surroundings.

Assistant trainer Norihiko Kishimoto said, "He has been training well. He will gallop on the dirt course tomorrow morning."

Hokko Tarumae—Jockey Hideaki Miyuki watched his partner Hokko Tarumae, another Dubai World Cup Japanese contender, cantering on the Meydan dirt track.

Miyuki said: "I have not ridden him since he has arrived, but as I touched and walked on the dirt course, it seemed to be more sticky than the Japanese dirt and needs more power. Hokko Tarumae is also a power-type of horse, so he should handle it. He looks fit and I am happy with it."

Lea—The son of First Samurai   continued his preparation for Saturday's race on Tuesday by galloping 2400m over the Meydan main oval.

One year ago, following wins in both the Hal's Hope (gr. III) and Donn Handicap (gr. I), the Dubai World Cup was on the radar for Lea, but a virus quickly ended that thought process.

"Last year he won the Donn, which is a great stepping stone race to the World Cup, but then he got sick on us and the goal changed to getting the horse healthy," explained assistant trainer Riley Mott, the son of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

"We brought him back slowly and let the horse tell us when he was ready to get back at it. He's running well now and we think he's still improving."

Off an 11-month layoff, the lightly raced 6-year-old won the Hal's Hope again but he failed to repeat in the Donn, finishing a close second behind Constitution. Following some initial indecision about making the trip, the connections targeted the Dubai World Cup.

"He really ran a bang up race in the Donn and came out of it in great shape," Riley Mott said. "The Dubai World Cup is a US$10 million race and it's back on dirt. We feel like we have great chance."

Lea will likely be the second choice internationally behind American Horse of the Year California Chrome.

"It's a credit to the connections of California Chrome for bringing him here," Riley Mott said. "It's a big deal in American racing and a fun challenge for us."

Side Glance—Andrew Balding's globetrotting eight-year-old shipped into Dubai on Sunday and cleared quarantine Tuesday morning. Last seen when finishing fourth in the Cox Plate (Aus-I) in Australia, he will be making his dirt debut over the weekend and covered two circuits of the all-weather training track Tuesday.

$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines (UAE-IT)

Main Sequence—Trainer Graham Motion arrived from America on Tuesday and will oversee the preparation of his Dubai World Cup night horses for the remainder of the week.

"He's been doing well and we've done most of his work at the training track," said the conditioner of Main Sequence, the 2014 champion turf horse and champion older male in the U.S. "We're going to bring him up to the main track on Wednesday morning to do some gate training."

American-based horses of course have not fared well over the Meydan turf course on Dubai World Cup night and Motion is hoping his horse can reverse that trend. Motion won the 2013 Dubai World Cup with Animal Kingdom.

"We should be competitive in there—among the choices (internationally)," he said, "but let's face it, it's a deep division."

Designs on Rome—Fifi Siu, assistant to trainer John Moore, said: "He cantered very slowly, one and a half laps on the turf track. He's very relaxed and calm. He's healthy. His trainer will be here tomorrow and the plan is for his jockey Joao Moreira to ride him on the turf on Thursday morning."

Dolniya—Dolniya, trained by Alain de Royer Dupre, was accompanied by her stable companion Cladocera when she came onto the main track at Meydan on Tuesday morning. Galloping with several lengths between them, she cantered once more for about 600m, before quickening over 1200m. Antoine Creton, travelling head lad for the yard said: "Dolniya is very well and we are happy with her. Her trainer arrives on Thursday."

Flintshire—Following his gallop on the grass track at Meydan on Monday, Flintshire only did a slow canter on Tuesday morning. Annelie Ackermann, his regular work rider, said: "After working on grass, the next day we always just do a slow canter. He went round the main track once and seems in fine form."

Harp Star—Another Japanese ace for Saturday's Dubai Sheema Classic completed one lap on the dirt track at an easy canter. Trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda said: "I arrived at Meydan just after she finished working. The staff told me that everything went well. She will be galloping tomorrow."

Just The Judge—The Charlie Hills-trained Just The Judge went to the turf training track on Tuesday morning under the supervision of long time travelling head lad Geoff Snook. The five-year-old daughter of Lawman did no more than a slow canter around a circuit of the track.

"She was nice and relaxed and I'm happy with her," said Snook as he made his way back to the barn.

Just The Judge enjoyed a fine autumn campaign in 2014 winning the E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine Race Course (Can-IT) before a third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) at Santa Anita Park. Both those races were over 2000m, and Just The Judge will be stepping up to 2400m for the first time when she makes her 15th career start on Saturday.

One and Only—The 4-year-old Heart's Cry colt worked easily on the Meydan dirt course under the supervision of the trainer Kojiro Hashiguchi, who flew into Dubai this morning.

Hashiguchi said: "He looks well and worked nicely this morning. He is very flexible and is a gutsy horse like his (sire). He looks to be in really good condition."

Sheikhzayedroad—The 6-year-old took to the turf track for exercise and covered 1300m in company with his stablemate Trade Storm, a runner in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (UAE-IT).

"He had a blowout over the track and his rider was very happy with him," trainer David Simcock said. "The horse is in good order and everything is going to plan."

True Story—Saeed bin Suroor said: "True Story won well first time out in Dubai this year but a mile and a half (2400m) is a better trip for him. He needs to be more relaxed in his races and we have been working on this. Unfortunately, Sky Hunter is not able to run."

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

Big Macher—Arriving at the Meydan dirt track well before dawn on Tuesday, Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables' Big Macher jogged about 1400m and then galloped 1800m.

"I feel like he's happy right now," said trainer Richard Baltas. "He's eating good and he's weight is good, and he's settled in well."

Baltas does not plan to send Big Macher out for any speed work in Dubai prior to his first international start since the 5-year-old gelding turned in a lightning-fast breeze before he left his base at Santa Anita in California.

Big Macher, who won the Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) over the all-weather track at Del Mar in 2014, sped through six furlongs (1200m) in 1:09 1/5, the fastest time of the day, on March 11, six days before he boarded the plane bound for Dubai.

Cool Cowboy—Cool Cowboy galloped on Monday.

"He went well in his final piece of work," said trainer Doug Watson. "He has improved for his Super Saturday run so it is fingers crossed for a good draw."

Krypton Factor—The 2013 winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News will trot and swim in the final few days before race night after working on the dirt track on Monday morning.

Lucky Nine—Trainer Caspar Fownes said: "Good reports from the team in Dubai. He has travelled well. I just hope we draw a good gate for the race."

Muarrab, Shaishee—Paul Hanagan rides Muarrab for Musabah Al Muhairi.

"The horse has enjoyed a good season and seems in great nick," said Hanagan. "The draw is going to be of great significant in his race."

Dane O'Neill partners stable companion Shaishee. "He won well on Super Saturday to earn his place in this field," said O'Neill. "He stays 1400m so will be suited by the likely strong gallop."

Rich Tapestry—Trainer Michael Chang said: "He was a bit under the weather when he first arrived but he has improved a lot. He was on the main dirt track this morning and he's in good shape."

Salutos Amigos—Salutos Amigos galloped 2400m on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday's race, and trainer David Jacobson, who will be saddling his first Dubai World Cup night runner, is happy with his decision to make the trip.

"I think I have a nice horse," Jacobson said. "We considered the Carter (gr. I, April 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack) but there's a lot of money and prestige on the line here. It's that simple."

Salutos Amigos exited his win in the Feb. 7 Toboggan (gr. III) at Aqueduct with a minor foot issue, but returned a month later to score his fourth consecutive win when he took the Tom Fool (gr. III).

"Because of the foot issues, he missed the General George (gr. III, Feb. 16 at Laurel Park), which would have been running back a little quick anyway," Jacobson explained.

"He bounced right out of it and that last race was evidence of that. He's better than he's ever been. His past performances will tell you that."

According to Jacobson, the 5-year-old gelded son of Salute the Sarge will breeze 600m at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Secret Circle—Following his 800m workout on Monday over the Meydan dirt track, the Bob Baffert-trained Secret Circle had an easy morning in the Dubai World Cup quarantine barn area on Tuesday.

Baffert's assistant and exercise rider, Dana Barnes, reported that Secret Circle came out of his workout in perfect shape. "He's excellent. Everything is cold and tight and ready to go," Barnes said.

Speed Hawk—Twice placed at group III level during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the Robert Cowell-trained four-year-old did not appear on the main track this morning but enjoyed light exercise on the all-weather training circuit.

Super Jockey—Bev Millard, wife of trainer Tony Millard, said: "I gave him an easy canter on the dirt track early at 5 a.m. He seemed to enjoy himself and liked the surface. He's a very fit horse.

"He did a nice piece of fast work in Hong Kong on Saturday before he flew here to take the freshness out of him and that has seemed to work well. I'm very happy with how he is."

United Color—United Color represents Dhruba Selvaratnam.

"It is going to be a very tough race," said Selvaratnam. "There should be plenty of early speed and hopefully he will be running on strongly."

$2 million UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (UAE-II)

Dear Domus—Yutaka Takahashi reported that the colt did routine work on the Meydan dirt track.

The trainer said, "Jockey (Kosei Miura) will give him a gallop tomorrow morning. He is drawn number 10, and as my horse can dash well and take the lead, there is no concern about the barrier."

Faithful Creek—The Brian Meehan-trained 3-year-old cleared quarantine on Tuesday morning but was not seen out on the main track.

The son of Bushranger, last seen when finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IT) in late October, will be making his dirt debut on Saturday.

Golden Barows—Noriyuki Hori's representative cantered for 1000m and jogged for 400m before he cantered again for 1400m on the Meydan dirt track.

Assistant trainer Kazutomo Mori said: "He was tense yesterday but has been relaxed and worked nicely today. He has a good mood. He sometimes started off the gate a bit slower recently, so he is going to have a school at the starting gate."

Maftool—Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "Maftool is doing good and I am happy with the progress he is making. The longer trip will suit him. The jockey (Paul Hanagan) has been riding him in the mornings. It is a hard race but he has a chance."

BLOOD-HORSE STAFF: Mubtaahij Fit and Ready for UAE Derby

My Johnny Be Good—Trainer Eoin Harty reported that My Johnny Be Good remained in the quarantine area on Tuesday morning after his more serious drill on Monday.

"He'll jog up to the race," said the conditioner, who is familiar with the routine here having sent out 2009 Dubai World Cup victor Well Armed.

Looking at the form guided for the first time, Harty commented on the Japanese contingent, noting they appeared to be a strong bunch.

Sir Fever—Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "I was pleased with Sir Fever's first run for us and he has come out of the race well (the March 7 Al Bastakiya, 2 1/2 lengths behind Mubtaahij).

"It was good that William (Buick) got to know him during the race. Sir Fever is a big, lengthy galloper and we are applying headgear (blinkers and shadow roll) to help his concentration and keep him focussed."

Tap That—The son of Tapit   had a piece of easy work on the Meydan dirt track.

Assistant trainer Yuya Shiotsu said: "He got used to the new surroundings and has settled well. He seems in really good form. He was getting familiarised with the starting gate and he had no problem at all."

$1 million Al Quoz Sprint empowered by IPIC (UAE-IT)

Ahtoug—Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Ahtoug is ultra-consistent and looks in great nick. His most recent run was the best of the year so far and we were delighted the performance. William (Buick) rode him that day and saw what the horse is capable of. Ahtoug just got beaten in this race last year and retains his speed."

Amber Sky—Trainer Ricky You said: "He cantered on the dirt surface at the big track under his regular work rider Raymond Tam, who said he's in great form."

Bundle Of Joy—Trainer David Hall said: "No problem with him. He stayed behind in the quarantine area but he will be out on the main track later on."

Caspar Netscher—The 6-year-old was out on the main dirt track, where he completed one circuit on a morning of routine exercise.

"He's pretty fit, having run well here earlier this month," trainer David Simcock said. "He will have something slightly better than a canter (Wednesday) morning."

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 6-year-old did not appear on the main track on Tuesday morning.

Farmah—The François Rohaut trained Farmah was on his own when he came onto the main track at Meydan on Tuesday morning.

He was ridden by Doric Binot, who said: "We cantered over 1200m and everything went as planned. He is very well and maybe he will work a bit faster tomorrow, but we shall see."

Green Mask—Green Mask did not appear on the main track Tuesday morning, having completed his major work with a drill down the turf chute Monday morning.

"He's in great shape," said trainer Wesley Ward from his Florida base.

When asked to assess the competition for Saturday compared to what the son of Mizzen Mast   has been facing back home he said: "I'm not sure this is as much a tougher task than he's been taking over here (as it may appear on paper.)  His (US speed figures) suggested he's right there.

"He's had tough trips in his last two starts—which can happen going five furlongs (1000m) around a bend. He should get a better trip down the straight. It's very unlikely he will get traffic trouble down the straight. I think he's a very good horse when it comes to turf sprints."

Hototo—Fawzi Nass galloped Hototo with stablemate Krypton Factor over 900m on the dirt surface on Monday and will now trot and swim in preparation for Saturday.

Lancelot Du Lac—The 5-year-old joined a bunch of British-trained horses in exercising on the turf course, where he covered one circuit at a steady canter.

His trainer, Dean Ivory, is expected to arrive on Wednesday to put the finishing touches to his sprinter.

Peniaphobia—Trainer Tony Cruz: said: "He did easy work with Amber Sky on the dirt. Shell Chan, his track rider, is really happy with him.  Tomorrow he will gallop on the turf."

Sir Maximilian—The busiest graduate in the field from the Dubai World Cup Carnival, where he had five runs, the six-year-old has been kept ticking over as he bids to add group I glory to his Super Saturday success in the Meydan Sprint (UAE-III).

With trainer Ian Williams still to arrive on site, he covered one circuit of the all-weather training track at a hack canter for his regular work rider on Tuesday.

Sole Power—The Eddie Lynam trainee came onto the training track on Tuesday morning, where he dazzled with a slightly faster gallop than planned.

Lynam smiled when he said: "He is fresh and keen all right, which I suppose is a good sign. He sometimes can be like that and it is best to let him do his thing than try and hold him back.

"The girl who rides him knows him well and if you let him go and then reign him in, it's better than to fight him. Tomorrow he will be going onto the grass track at Meydan."

Stepper Point—Dubai debutant Stepper Point had his first experience of local conditions on Tuesday after exiting quarantine, and hacked round the all-weather training track for big-race rider Martin Dwyer "to show him what life is all about," according to William Muir.

The trainer added: "He likes to do things his own way at home, and although he's been all round Europe, this was his first experience of flying, so it's all a new experience for him, but he hasn't turned a hair."

Via Africa—Christophe Soumillon rides for Mike de Kock.

"She ran well on Super Saturday," said Soumillon. "She needed the run and has come out of it well."

$6 million Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (UAE-IT)

Cladocera—The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained Cladocera did not change her training routine at Meydan on Tuesday morning, when she cantered over 1200m following a warm-up jog in front of the stands.

Her travelling head lad Antoine Creton said: "The preparation in view of the races on Saturday is following its course and we were happy with the way things went this morning. She seems well."

Euro Charline—The 4-year-old filly, trained in England by Marco Botti, cleared quarantine and strode out over the turf track under Italian rider Paulo Sirigu.

"She did a steady canter over 1600m and enjoyed herself," said Botti's wife, Lucie. "She seems to have travelled well and is drinking lots of water, so we are happy."

Mrs Botti is unconcerned that Euro Charline has not run since she won the Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT) at Arlington International Racecourse in Chicago back in August.

"She had a trial at Chelmsford racecourse two weeks ago and she's a pretty straightforward filly. It shouldn't be an issue," she said.

Farraaj—Farraaj will be having his first start for Dhruba Selvaratnam.

"He is a nice horse," said Selvaratnam. "Obviously it is a tough race but he has form at a good level and has pleased us since arriving."

Limario—The Doug Watson-trained Limario galloped at Meydan on Monday. "We took him over to Meydan for his final piece of work on the turf. He worked nicely along with (Dubai Gold Cup contender) Meandre."

Mshawish—The American raider Mshawish, who represents Qatar's Al Shaqab Racing, took to the Meydan dirt course shortly after sunrise on Tuesday morning under the watchful eye of assistant trainer Ginny Depasquale as well as Bradley Weisbord, US advisor for the ownership group. Both were happy with the exercise.

The son of Medaglia d'Oro   has won his last three starts in the U.S. for Todd Pletcher, stepping up in class with each victory.

Solow—French trainer Freddy Head had arrived on Tuesday morning to oversee Solow's morning track work.

As usual, the grey came onto the main track a Meydan with his fellow French-trained Dolniya and Cladocera. He cantered over 1400m, but went a bit slower than Monday morning, and Freddy Head said: "He seems well. He was nice and relaxed and we are hoping for a good run on Saturday."

The Grey Gatsby—The Kevin Ryan-trained 4-year-old is by some way the highest-rated horse in this race. Having cleared quarantine, the son of Mastercraftsman worked on the training track.

Trade Storm—The 6-year-old completed his preparation when he strode out over the turf track in company with his stablemate Sheikhzayedroad, who runs in the Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines. He completed 1300m, during which the tempo increasing markedly down the home straight.

"It was just what he wanted," said trainer David Simcock. "He had a decent blowout, his rider was happy and we are one day closer to the race."

Umgiyo—Mike De Kock saddles Umgiyo, the mount of Johnny Geroudis. "I rode him the last time when he was staying on nicely," said Geroudis. "Hopefully he can build on that and Mike is delighted with him."

$1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic empowered by IPIC (UAE-I)

Raaziq—Majed Al Jahouri has booked Kieren Fallon to ride.

"On his best form he has a chance," said Fallon. "The yard won this last year and is always a good one to ride for."

Callateral, Abu Alabyad, and Richlore—All represent Salem Al Ketbi.

Tadhg O'Shea elects to ride the last-named and said: "Obviously it is a tough race but they are three nice horses who should all run well.

"It is never easy to choose in these situations so hopefully I am on the right one."

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

Bradester—Multiple American graded stakes winner Bradester galloped 2400m under Julie Stormfelt, who reported that the 5-year-old "is doing great."

Trainer Eddie Kenneally is due to travel to Dubai to saddle Bradester but Stormfelt said she did not know when he would arrive.

Bradester has not raced in about six months, as his last start was on September 27, 2014, when he finished seventh in the Kelso Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park. In his prior start, earlier that month, he won the Ack Ack Handicap (gr. III) at Churchill Downs in a mostly front-running performance, indicating that he has the speed that may make him well suited for Meydan's new dirt track.

Dark Emerald—Dark Emerald travelled well within himself in a lap of the main dirt track and seems to have coped well with his solid campaign during the lead-up carnival.

Free Wheeling—Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "Free Wheeling ran well last time and we will see how he handles the dirt as he is returning to the surface. I am happy with him and he worked well on Sunday. It is a tough race and he will need to be at his best."

Gold City, Surfer—Trainer Satish Seemar reported that his duo emerged from their Monday workouts in good order.

However, he expressed great disappointment that the talented Surfer drew the far outside post position in the 16-runner field, which he said will be a big disadvantage.

"You don't want to lose hope, but it will have to be kind of a miracle situation (for Surfer to win)," Seemar said Tuesday morning. "This horse just never gets a break in his life. He always gets the wide draws."

Owned by Zabeel Racing International Corp, the American-bred Surfer put together back-to-back Meydan wins in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile on Dec. 18 and the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (UAE-II) over a mile on January 8 prior to finishing fourth in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (UAE-II) at 1900m on February 5. In that last start, Surfer finished ahead of defending Dubai World Cup champion African Story, demonstrating his quality.

While Seemar remains confident in Surfer, he is philosophical due to the post position draw. "From my point of view, my work is done. I was joking with (jockey) Richard Mullen that now the pressure is on him," Seemar said.

Gold City drew post 10 for the Godolphin Mile, which was acceptable to the trainer.

"For a horse like him, it doesn't matter, so that is OK," Seemar said.

Graphic—The Royal Ascot Racing Club's representative, who will be attempting to land a first win at the Dubai World Cup meeting for trainer William Haggas, had his initial experience of Meydan on Tuesday morning, trotting up the back stretch of the dirt track under the stable's pupil assistant Jason Favell.

"He just came to have a look around," travelling head groom 'Bizzy' Budden reported.

"It's his first experience of flying since he came to us two years ago, so he's a bit in awe of the situation, but he's travelled OK and seems happy."

Layl—Layl has been done no favours by the draw says Doug Watson. "We were hoping for a low draw so 14 is far from ideal," said Watson. "He is in great form and should run a big race but it is going to be tough from that draw."

Nolohay, Tamarkuz—Paul Hanagan rides Tamarkuz for Musabah Al Muhairi.

"He has been in great form and seemingly improving," said Hanagan. "We are drawn in (barrier) one and can hopefully utilise that in this stronger race."

Quadrivium—Graham Motion's four-year-old Henrythenavigator gelding comes in off a sixth-place finish in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III) in New Orleans, but that performance doesn't bother the trainer.

"When I first got him he won two dirt races right away," said Motion. "After that, we sent him to California where he faced (gr. I winner) Hopportunity, and then to the Fair Grounds. He didn't like the turf so we'll stick with him in dirt. I expect he'll run well here."

Sloane Avenue—The first of the British-trained contingent to emerge at Meydan on Tuesday morning after clearing quarantine, the lightly-raced 4-year-old covered a circuit of the dirt track under trainer Jeremy Noseda's experienced travelling groom David Bradley, who reported: "He started at the 1400m marker and went back to the same point in a very easy canter."

Bradley, Employee of the Year in the 2013 Godolphin Stud and Stable Awards, added: He felt very comfortable, very much at home. The only disappointment is his draw, 15 of 16."

$1 million Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (UAE-IT)

Ahzeemah—Saeed bin Suroor said: "Ahzeemah worked on Sunday but was very disappointing last time. We are expecting a much better performance in the Gold Cup and hope he can show his best form."

Bathyrhon—The Gold Cup contender cantered once round the main track at Meydan on Tuesday morning. He is trained in Chantilly by Pia Brandt.

Ridden by Joaquim Brandt, he seemed relaxed and his rider confirmed: "We didn't want to do too much this morning, as he went on the grass yesterday. He really feels well and I'm very happy with him."

Brown Panther—A regular swimmer at home in England, last year's Irish St Leger winner had already been in the pool in the international stables on Monday evening before leaving quarantine and taking to the all-weather training track on Tuesday morning for the first time.

"He did a circuit for Chris Ely, who's been riding him for the last two years, just to take a little of the 'fizz' out of him," trainer Tom Dascombe reported.

"I've been very happy with his preparation at home. He travelled over 10kg heavy and lost 8kg on the journey, but he's been drinking and eating well since he arrived."

Havana Beat—Andrew Balding's runner finished fourth in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy Empowered by Ipic on his prep run and worked on the training track Tuesday morning. He did two laps of the all-weather circuit, hugging the outside rail.

Marzocco—Trainer John Gosden's only Dubai World Cup night runner arrived on Sunday morning and cleared quarantine today. However, he did not appear on the main track for exercise.

Gosden said: "We feel that the track and ground at Meydan should suit Marzocco and the trip is within his compass."

Watch horses on the track at Meydan March 24:

Art Sherman shares his thoughts on California Chrome March 24: