Dubai Trackwork Notes, March 27
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Following is March 27 update 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—Galloped over a fast main oval at Meydan and schooled in the walking ring Friday morning.
Tony Gutierrez, the regular exercise rider for Al Quoz contender Distinctiv Passion, substituted for regular morning pilot Willie Delgado, who failed to make the gallop.
"He schooled great," assistant trainer Alan Sherman said. "Didn't turn a hair. Now it's time for him to strut his stuff and get it done."
African Story, Prince Bishop—Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said of African Story, last year's winner: "He worked well on Monday and comes into the race in good form, having won the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (UAE-I) on his last run. The 2,000-meter trip is perfect for him and his draw (three) is no problem. He can take any position in the race from there, but hopefully he will be up there in second or third place. I would be really happy to see him stay away from the kickback." Of Prince Bishop he added: "He has been jumping slowly from the stalls, but I hope this time, with only nine runners, he can go forward from the stalls. If he can stay away from the kickback I think he has a chance to run well."
Candy Boy—Sixth of 14 in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) in November last time out, he will also be making his first start for Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov and trainer Doug Watson. "We would have really liked to have had a prep race, but it wasn't to be," Watson said. "All seems fine and we are just looking forward to the big race. It is great to have a good runner in such a prestigious contest. We could be very happy with the result or left scratching our heads. Either way, we will have a gauge on what we have and where we are at moving forward. What that will be, I'm not sure. Either a turf race or a break."
Epiphaneia—"He is in a really good form right now. Everything is going well as planned," said trainer Katsuhiko Sumii. "This is the first experience on dirt for everybody and it is like a first stage to show the ability of the Japanese horse on this surface. Also it will be a good chance to give the Japanese horses more options to compete in the world. I plan to put the same type of horse shoes as he has in Japan, but I will make a final decision by walking on the dirt tonight."
Hokko Tarumae—Trainer Katsuichi Nishiura watched Hokko Tarumae put in a routine canter on the dirt track at Meydan Friday morning and was very satisfied with the effort. He said: "Everything has gone well so far. I can really see he has a great mood and is very happy to run. The dirt has quite a different quality from what we have in Japan, and I cannot tell how it will suit him at this stage. (We have) not found any (clear) answer (as to) what type of horses will suit the surface here. We will see on race day. From the experience last year, I have been trying to make the best environment and give him the best way to be able to trip comfortably over the 2,000 meters at Meydan."
Lea—With exercise rider Neil Poznansky in tow, Lea worked "between a quarter (400 meters) and three-eighths of a mile (600 meters)" Friday morning over a fast Meydan oval, according to trainer Bill Mott. "I was pleased with it, and my rider was grinning from ear-to-ear when he came off the track, so I think that's a pretty good sign," Mott said of the move. "(It was) just a little blow to stretch his legs. It looked like it sharpened him up. He was bouncing coming off the racetrack. We're not there yet, but hopefully everything goes well between now and then."
Side Glance—After having a blowout on the dirt yesterday morning, the 8-year-old—who has been fourth in the last two renewals of the World Cup—was restricted to light exercise on the training track. Connections were happy with his work Thursday and he appeared to take well to the surface in his recently fitted pacifier.
$6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic
Main Sequence—As was the plan, the Graham Motion-trained gelding had a 1,600-meter jog on the training track in the quarantine area. Motion indicated the son of Medaglia d'Oro will do the same Saturday morning.
Designs On Rome—Trainer John Moore said: "He was out this morning on the turf again. He looks awesome. (Jockey) Joao (Moreira) came back with a glint in his eye and said all is well. We are really looking forward to the race."
Dolniya—Continued her preparation on Friday morning with a steady canter once around the main track. Her trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre said: "It's very hot now, so I just wanted my horses to do the minimum. There are probably some horses in the race that have more experience than her, but she has improved a lot from three to four."
Flintshire—Teddy Grimthorpe, the racing manager of owner and breeder Khalid Abdullah, was at the main track at Meydan Friday morning to watch Flintshire canter once round the track. He said: "He just did a nice steady canter, came off the track and was relaxed. He seems happy. He had quite a tough race in the (Arc de Triomphe) last year and then went to the Breeders' Cup and Hong Kong. He then had a break, and I think maybe he has got used to the travelling now, and seems pretty relaxed throughout. He is learning and maturing and he seems happy to be here."
Harp Star—Put in a routine canter on the dirt at Meydan. Trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda said: "I am happy with her good condition. She is on a real hot streak. I have a big hope for jockey Ryan (Moore), who is going to give her (the best) ride."
One And Only—"He is really fit. I think he is more relaxed than I am. He has moved into a top gear," trainer Kojiro Hashiguchi said. "What I experienced here in Dubai ten years ago has brought me a lot of strategies and knowledge for racing overseas. I would like to show all the people how good the Japanese Derby-winning horse is and how prestigious the Japanese Derby is. I have to win the race to do that, and I also look forward to Saturday. His father Heart's Cry also won the same race back in 2006. Hopefully he is able to grab the same title as his father. This time my son Shinsuke, who has passed the exam of the JRA trainer's license and will start the stable operations from next year, is joining the team to support us. The pair of Heart's Cry and One And Only were able to have an opportunity to come here, so I also asked my son to come here with (me)."
Sheikhzayedroad—Having visited the main track all week, the 6-year-old was sent to the training track by trainer David Simcock. The horse covered one circuit on the all-weather track to complete his preparation for Saturday's race.
$6 million DP World Dubai Turf (UAE-I)
Cladocera—The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained filly did a steady canter Friday morning and her handler said: "She went steady today as she had gone a bit faster yesterday. She is in very good form, just a bit lighter than she was when she ran last time. She moves really well, though. I have the impression she is a bit more nervous than before. It is a tough race for a filly and she hasn't got the best of draws, but we shall see."
Euro Charline—The four-year-old filly was again out early on the main track, where she covered 1,600 meters on turf. She was given her head for the final 200 meters and stretched out well. "She seems very happy," said her trainer, Marco Botti. "We got her back from America (she spent three months with Todd Pletcher) in December and there have been no hiccups. We have to respect the opposition, but to my eye, she is a stronger filly this year."
Farraaj—Had his first outing for Dhruba Selvaratnam. "He is a nice horse and has settled in well," Selvaratnam said. "It is a tough race, but he deserves to take his chance at this level."
Limario—Doug Watson saddles Limario. "He was a bit disappointing last time," Watson said. "He has been working well since."
Mshawish—A statement from Bradley Weisbord, US racing adviser for Al Shaqab Racing regarding Mshawish, who suffered a minor foot bruise Thursday morning, said: "(The) bruise is much improved today. The Pletcher staff, led by Nick Bush and Ginny Depasquale, worked around the clock on the foot. (He) walked shed row this morning sound. (The) plan (is) to go to the track tomorrow (morning) to gallop if he continues to do well. (We) will only run if (he is) 100 percent. Wish we had a few more days, but we don't."
Solow—Freddy Head has been at the Meydan main track for the last four days and Friday morning believed Solow was just where he needed to be. He said: "He just went for a jog once around the track. He is really well in himself and I'm very happy with him."
The Grey Gatsby—The top-rated horse in the race stayed in the quarantine barn, having exercised all week on the training track. "He was just led out for some light exercise in the yard," trainer Kevin Ryan said. Of his preparation, Ryan said: "The horse looks marvelous. He has taken everything well and we are very happy with him. I couldn't be any happier."
Trade Storm—Having exercised on the main track all week, Trade Storm stretched out on the training track under the eye of his trainer, David Simcock. He covered 1,400 meters on the all-weather surface at a steady canter, after which Simcock said: "He has pleased me all week. He knows this place well now and it's time for him to show what he can do."
Umgiyo—Trainer Mike De Kock said: "He has been running well and is very fit. He should run a solid race in a tough heat."
$2 million Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I)
Cool Cowboy—The 4-year-old colt ran well on Super Saturday, his first start for Doug Watson. “It was a great effort, because he had only done four pieces of work,” the trainer said. “He has improved from that and we really like him.”
El Padrino —The Singapore-trained New Zealand-bred worked on the main track Friday for the first time since he arrived Tuesday. “He took a couple of days to settle down, but (now he is) fine and I wanted him to get the feel of the dirt track,’’ trainer Alwin Tan said. With race jockey Oscar Chevaz in the saddle, he cantered for a lap and seemed keen to go faster.
Krypton Factor—The 2013 winner of this race galloped at Meydan Monday, and trainer Fawzi Nass said Friday: “He has had a quiet week since then walking and trotting. He is fit, well, and on course for tomorrow.”
Lucky Nine—Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “No worries. Things have gone well. He’ll run up to his best.”
Muarrab, Shaishee—Both are trained by Musabah Al Muhairi , who said: “Both are in good form and should be competitive in a good race.”
Rich Tapestry—Trainer Michael Chang said: “He didn’t travel very well. He had a bit of a stomach problem, but everything is back to normal now. He was also a bit dehydrated, but he has recovered. He always goes well fresh and this track is pretty similar to Santa Anita, where he won a grade I late last year. I am never concerned about him on any dirt track and he enjoyed himself in his canter this morning. He will jump and sit just behind the pace. I don’t want him to lead. There is a lot of pace in the race. My level of confidence right now out of ten would be a seven or eight.”
Salutos Amigos—Galloped 2,400 meter over a fast Meydan oval Friday morning. "He galloped real strong this morning," trainer David Jacobson said. "There's nothing else we can do. Just get him back to the barn, take care of him, hope he gets a good night sleep, and see what happens tomorrow."
Speed Hawk—Although winless in five starts at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the Robert Cowell-trained four-year-old did run second over the course and distance, and looked fresh and very keen when working on the dirt track Friday morning.
Super Jockey—Trainer Tony Millard said: “He has had the same routine all week and he’s doing well. He was out early again this morning. He can sweat a lot, so the idea is to get him out when it is cooler. He is coping exceptionally well with the new environment and the only negative is the draw in gate 12, which is wider than ideal. Ryan Moore will have to (wave) his magic wand on him, but he knows him well and the horse is in great form. I think he has the potential to surprise a few people.”
United Color—Trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam said: “They should go fast, which will help him. He should be staying on.”
$1 million IPIC Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-I)
Amber Sky—Trainer Ricky Yiu said: "He has had an ongoing problem with a cyst on his left hind leg. When he comes out of his box in the morning, he is a bit stiff at first, but he loosens up quickly and he is fine, perfectly normal, cantering and galloping. That's just the way he is now and he has responded well to treatment. As regards the race, he has drawn ten and there looks to be a lot of pace. He was able to lead all the way last year and it's no good to us if he is taken on in front. But he is as good as we can have him and you have to take a horse of his quality seriously, especially with a jockey like Ryan Moore on board."
Bundle of Joy—Trainer David Hall said: "We kept him in the quarantine area as scheduled. All has gone well with him. No problems."
Caspar Netscher—The 6-year-old again exercised on the training track, where he was kept firmly in hand during a 1,400-meter spin on the all-weather surface. "He has been racing over (farther) than (Saturday's race distance of) 1,000 meters, but the sectionals he posted when he ran in Canada (about 1,200 meters) and Santa Anita (about 1,300 meters) last year were good," trainer David Simcock said. "He showed good speed when he ran here over 1,000 meters earlier this month and we're looking for the same on Saturday."
Caspian Prince—Trainer Tony Carroll's 6-year-old remained on the training track this morning, and Carroll said: "He is a classy horse and is very, very fast. He will get his ideal racing conditions and he is clearly very talented."
Farmah—François Rohaut arrived Friday morning to see Farmah canter around the track. The filly seemed really well, even throwing in a couple bucks. Rohaut said: "She is, as always, very relaxed and very supple. She arrived on February 10 to run a prep race on the dirt, but as that didn't go too well, we switched her to the turf. I don't think she took to the dirt in the three weeks she was here. She is stronger now, though, and is really looking well. She is drawn five and has a nice group of horses just around her in stalls six and seven. These horses should go forward in the middle of the track and I believe they will set off quite fast. We will let them do their thing and hopefully then come from behind."
Green Mask—The Wesley Ward-trained Green Mask appeared on the all-weather training track Friday morning and went to the starting gate.
Hototo—The 5-year-old has won and finished second on his two most recent starts at Meydan and has had a light week of trotting and swimming after galloping on the main track Monday. "He is fit, well and on course for tomorrow," said trainer Fawzi Nass. "He has had a quiet week but is ready to go."
Lancelot Du Lac—Trainer Dean Ivory kept his sprinter to the walkways adjacent to the quarantine barns ahead of the race on Saturday. "He's an intelligent horse and we just wanted to keep him going in a straight line today," Ivory said. "We will probably throw a saddle on him (Saturday) morning and walk him around the circular ring inside the barn. I am absolutely delighted with his preparation. It's been lovely to see him so keen in his exercise all week. I can honestly say he looks the best I have ever seen him."
Mirza—Had an easy morning and his connections are very happy with his condition.
Peniaphobia—Trainer Tony Cruz said: "His final canter on the dirt track was good. He's spot on. I'm very happy with him."
Sir Maximilian—Ian Williams, whose British stable is attempting an unprecedented chalk-and-cheese double in the next fortnight, remains happy with the condition of his Meydan Sprint winner, who wound up his preparation with a hack canter round the training track's dirt circuit. Williams is to saddle his first runner in the Grand National, the world's most famous jumps race and at the other end of the distance scale. "We'll continue to enjoy the experience here first and worry about the National when we get back home," he said, pointing out that the 6-year-old had shown better form in each of his five races at Meydan since the turn of the year, but would need another lifetime best to land the biggest prize.
Sole Power—Trainer Eddie Lynam was hoping Sole Power would be happy to do a steady canter up the training track, but as usual, he quickened over the last 400 meters. His trainer smiled when he said: "The only good thing about it (is) that he only does it in front of the straight. He doesn't do it down the back stretch. He is in good form and I suppose if he didn't do it we would be wondering why. His weight is good, he seems happy and now there are no more days to mess it up. He runs tomorrow and we just hope for the best."
Stepper Point —The 6-year-old was led on to the dirt training track by a pony before taking a hack canter round one circuit under big-race jockey Martin Dwyer, who gave up rides in Britain this week to complete the colt's preparation. Trainer William Muir said: "He's a character, who will stop and look at any little thing, so he will have a pony when he goes to the starting gate on Saturday and this was to get him used to the idea." Muir, who is enjoying his first experience of racing in Dubai, added: "He's as bright as a button and in great shape."
$2 million Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group UAE Derby (UAE-II)
Dear Domus—Had an easy canter on the turf track at Meydan and trainer Yutaka Takahashi said: "He is a dirt horse, but training on turf is one of my tactics. He has been training well as planned. The outside draw that he starts off from has an advantage against being trapped. I am able to go into the race with lots of confidence."
Faithful Creek—The 3-year-old again visited the main track, where he went through the stalls without turning a hair under jockey Kieren Fallon. Having been warm on his first visit Thursday, he took the excursion in his stride and was relaxed throughout. Faithful Creek pinged the stalls when they opened and galloped 400 meters before returning to the paddock, where he also schooled Thursday. "That's all we wanted to do with him," trainer Brian Meehan said. "You can overcook them by breezing them, so I always keep it simple. The horse is ready to go."
Golden Barows—Went to school in the paddock and saddling area after a routine canter on the dirt track at Meydan. Assistant trainer Kazutomo Mori said: "He changed his attitude a lot in the starting gate from what he was the other day. He was able to be relaxed and stand in the stall. I am happy with that. Jockey (Ryan Moore) knows the horse and the track here very well, so there is no concern about the tactics, and we will let the jockey do what he thinks he will fit. The horse is in a top form right now."
My Johnny Be Good—Owner Bill Casner looked on as My Johnny Be Good went through his final pre-race paces. "He came on the track calm and collected," said Casner, who co-owned 2009 Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed. "As he backed up on the track he had no worries. That's a big factor in these races. You need a strong-minded horse that won't implode when the pressure is on and he seems to have that going for him. He seems to be comfortable with the surface and have an affinity for the track." The son of Colonel John starts from post 8 in the ten-horse field, which doesn't thrill Casner, but he's confident that jockey Victor Espinoza can sketch out a good trip and run to trainer Eoin Harty's instructions. "In a perfect world, I'd like to see him on the rail the whole way," Casner said. "There's enough of a run to the first turn that Victor should be able to get him to the inside and save ground every step of the way. It seems, from watching the races here, that horses who are on the fence going into the turn improve position coming out of it. I suppose it's simple mathematics. I'd like to be third or fourth on the fence on the backside."
Tap That—Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said, "I can see his condition getting better day by day. I look forward to seeing his performance in the race, because he is a very talented colt, but he has not displayed his full ability yet. If he can show his race, he has a big chance. The quality of the surface is slightly different in the morning and the night, so I will make a final decision for his shoes and will give him the best way for his best performance tomorrow. My hopes are high."
$1 million Meydan Sobha Godolphin Mile (UAE-I)
Bradester—Keeping to a schedule designed by trainer Eddie Kenneally, he appeared very early in the morning. Ridden by Julie Stormfelt, Bradester jogged 1,600 meeters and galloped 2,400, leaving Kenneally feeling very upbeat a day before the race. "He's doing really well. We were out early because he does better when it's quiet. He's on a schedule and he's doing great in this routine," said the Irish-born trainer now based in the U.S. Kenneally described the 16-runner field as "a solid group of horses," but with no dominant favorite. "Maybe that's why it's such a big field—everyone is taking a shot, like we are," he said.
Dark Emerald—"He didn't go out (on the track) this morning, because I think he's done enough," trainer Brendan Powell said. "He's a very laid-back horse and his weight has remained the same at his past four starts."
Forjatt—Represents Dhruba Selvaratnam, who said: "We have kept him fresh for this after his Jebel Ali Mile victory. He is fit and well, but could have been drawn better."
Gold City, Surfer—Satish Seemar was disappointed with the draw for Surfer, but happy with that of Gold City. "Surfer could not be drawn any worse," Seemar said. "He would be very competitive from a decent draw, but it would be just short of a miracle to win from that wide. Gold City will be staying on so his draw is less of a problem."
Graphic—Thirty members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club have arrived in Dubai to cheer on their recent Wolverhampton winner as he faces his toughest assignment to date. Club representative Alex Smith reported: "He did all his work last week and cantered over the grass track on Thursday, so he was just led out in the stable area on Friday morning. He's done all the right things and is very relaxed. We want him to be fresh for the race, which is when he runs best." Graphic will be tackling dirt for the first time. Smith added: "Although he's a versatile horse, the surface is the unknown quantity, but we've got the best jockey in the world in Ryan Moore, so that's a huge bonus."
Layl—Layl will be saddled by Doug Watson. "We were so hopeful before the draw," Watson said. "We will need plenty of luck from out there."
Nolohay, Tamarkuz—Both represent Musabah Al Muhairi, who said: "Conditions suit them both and we are really looking forward to this race."
Quadrivium—As was the plan, the Graham Motion-trained Quadrivium had a mile jog on the training track in the quarantine area.
Sloane Avenue—The draw apart —gate 15 of 16—everything is spot on for the lightly-raced 4-year-old, according to trainer Jeremy Noseda, who came closest to success with six previous runners on the Dubai World Cup program, when Wilko ran second in the big race nine years ago. Friday's exercise for Sloane Avenue comprised a mix of cantering and trotting for 1,200 meeters on the main dirt track, after which Noseda said: "All the serious work has been done, so this is an easy day, and I'm delighted with him."
$1 million Al Tayer Motors Dubai Gold Cup (UAE-II)
Ahzeemah—Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: "We were disappointed with his last race (when eighth in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy). We found nothing wrong with him when we checked him over, so I think you just have to forget that run. He is usually very consistent. It is important to him to be handy in a race, so we will try to make that happen. If he is back to his best he will have a chance."
Almoonqith, Mushreq, Star Empire—All represent Mike De Kock. “Star Empire should run his usual solid race, but Mushreq needs to prove he stays,” said De Kock. “Almoonqith is probably our main chance.”
Bathyrhon —Pia Brandt was following Bathyrhon home after his morning canter on the main track at Meydan, when she said: “He just went round once. He did a slow canter. I liked him better this morning than yesterday, when he seemed a bit more nervous. But it was probably because there were so many people here. He was more relaxed this morning. At the same time, he is fresh, which is good.”
Brown Panther—After going through a relatively strong work on the main turf track Thursday, the highest-rated contender carried his head low under restraint as rider Richard Kingscote took him on an exercise of walking and cantering over two circuits of the grass surface at the training track. Trainer Tom Dascombe, said: “He’s a professional, taking it all in, and I couldn’t be happier with his condition.”
Cooptado, Meandre—Doug Watson saddles both Meandre and Cooptado. “Both have been working well,” Watson said. “It is a tough race but they should be competitive.”
Dormello—Dhruba Selvaratnam relies on Dormello and said: “He won well at Abu Dhabi last time and should stay the longer trip, as they tend not to go too fast in these."
Dubday—Dubday represents Qatar and trainer Jassim Al Ghazali, who said: “He is a very nice horse and should stay. We are very hopeful.”
Havana Beat—He stayed on the training track for his final light exercise Friday and has pleased connections with his progress since his prep run, when finishing fourth at Meydan last month.
Marzocco—John Gosden’s Godolphin representative again had a breeze around the main track and moved nicely on the grass. “He has travelled over well, is in good form and I have been happy with him,” Gosden said of his recent all-weather winner. "He went round the turf track and stretched his legs this morning, and he did no more than that. I think that the trip will suit him as will the track. He was a late invite to the race and the race does have depth to it but he is in very good form.”