Group 1 US$10m Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines – 2000m (Dirt)
California Chrome (USA) – Galloped on the main track at Meydan Racecourse just after 7am.
“He loves what he does,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman. “He comes out here, does his job, and he loves it. He’s always been that way.”
Trainer Art Sherman arrived in Dubai on Monday evening and watched the handsome chestnut train alongside his son and assistant.
“He’s a lot stronger horse now,” Art Sherman said. “I think he’s five lengths better. You’re just going to see a different Chrome this time.”
Frosted (USA) – Galloped 2400m over a sealed Marmoom main track.
“He’s really come into his own,” assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin said.
“It helps that American Pharoah isn’t here. We always say we had the right horse in the wrong year. We came over early and gave him time to acclimate.
“The prep (a five-length win in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2) couldn’t have gone any better. With seven weeks since his last start, he’s fresh, happy and ready to run. We are full of confidence.
Frosted has displayed forward speed in many of his races, but he’s also proven capable of rallying from much farther off the pace.
“He’s a tactical horse who will do as we please,” McLaughlin said. “We want him a bit closer to the pace on Saturday night and the freshening we’ve given him between races helps with that. We wish the World Cup was tonight. This is obviously a very strong Dubai World Cup but we wouldn’t trade horses with anyone.”
Teletext (USA) – Saudi Arabia’s second ever runner in the world’s richest race was confined to light exercise in the quarantine area.
“All’s good,” was the encouraging immediate report from Sami Al Harabi, who has 330 winners to his name after eight years as a trainer but will be making his Dubai debut on Saturday.
The five-year-old represents Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz, after starting his early career in France for his breeder Khalid Abdullah.
Silvestre de Sousa takes over on Saturday from James Doyle, who was in the saddle when Teletext completed a sequence of three wins from four outings over 2400m this season by landing last month’s prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup by five and a half lengths.
Keen Ice (USA) – With assistant trainer and exercise rider Tammy Fox aboard, galloped 3200m
“We started thinking Dubai World Cup last year and the plan was to run in the Donn (Handicap at Gulfstream, finished sixth beaten four lengths) and then get a race over Meydan before the Dubai World Cup” Fox said.
“I’ve been here with Keen Ice for six weeks. When it all falls into place it makes you look really good but we all know at the snap of a finger, something can go wrong. It’s very special to be invited and it’s a relief to get to the night with a horse who is ready to run big.”
In addition to Keen Ice, the powerful American Dubai World Cup contingent also includes California Chrome, Frosted, Mshawish and Hoppertunity. Combined those four horses have 17 Group or Grade 1 stakes wins, seven of them Group or Grade 1’s.
Keen Ice has just two wins on his resume, but he also has the distinction of handing Triple Crown winner American Pharoah his only defeat last season in the Travers Stakes,
“I’m not a handicapper so I really don’t look at the rest of the horses, to tell you the truth'” Fox said. “I just know what I feel underneath me. I’m looking at it as a rider. He’s training well and with more pace to run at.”
Hoppertunity (USA) – Following his 800m breeze at Meydan on Monday, spent Tuesday morning relaxing in the Dubai World Cup quarantine complex.
Dana Barnes, assistant to trainer Bob Baffert, reported that the five-year-old Grade 1 winner emerged from his workout in outstanding condition.
“Everything is great. His legs were ice-cold this morning and he was as happy as can be,” Barnes said. “And we lucked out and missed the rain.”
Mshawish (USA) – Picked up the pace in his training at Meydan, cruising about 2200m under exercise rider Nick Bush with great energy.
“He was pulling Nick around even more today than he was yesterday,” said Ginny DePasquale, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher.
Bush agreed, saying that Mshawish, a six-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro and a Grade 1 winner on dirt and turf, seems to be thriving on what is his third visit to Dubai.
“He really wants to go,” Bush said.
Pletcher, who has won seven Eclipse Awards as America’s outstanding trainer, was due to arrive in Dubai on Tuesday evening and be at the track to see Mshawish during Wednesday’s trackwork.
Gun Pit (AUS) – Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “He has come on from his run on Super Saturday when he ran second. I guess he needs to step up on that again in a better race but at the same time I left a little bit to work on. I think he can finish in the first four or five.”
Candy Boy (USA) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “He just did a nice, steady, canter this morning over 2000m. He is as straight as we can get him after a year off.”
Special Fighter (IRE) – After an exceptionally Super Saturday, trainer Musabah Al Muhairi is excited going into Saturday’s meeting.
Al Muhairi said: “He did a really nice piece of work on Saturday and thrives being kept busy. We are really looking forward to Saturday.”
Mubtaahij (IRE) – Trainer Mike de Kock was left scratching his head after Mubtaahij’s seemingly flat effort on Super Saturday.
“He is in great form and working well. I think we will just draw a line under Super Saturday; he is better than that and this Saturday would be a great time to prove it,” said De Kock.
Hokko Tarumae (JPN) – He established the Japanese national record for his tenth Grade 1 victory in the Kawasaki Kinen in January and cantered for one circuit on the dirt course.
Trainer Katsuichi Nishiura’s assistant Shoichi Nishiura, said: “He travelled well as it is his third time here. He has been very fit and looks as good as he is at home. I hope to keep his good condition until Saturday.”
Vadamos (FR) – With stable companion Manatee, he worked on the dirt main Meydan track.
Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Andre Fabre yard, said : “Vadamos worked over 1200m on the dirt this morning. He galloped behind Manatee and then came and joined him in the final stage. He is well and I’m happy with him.”
Group 1 US$6m Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines, 2410m (Turf)
The Blue Eye (GB) – Qatar’s top Thoroughbred in training and winner of last month’s HH The Emir’s Trophy in Doha, he arrived in the Dubai World Cup quarantine centre on Tuesday morning after a one-hour flight.
Trainer Jassim Al Ghazali was flying out to meet the Dubawi colt in the early afternoon and planned to watch him train for the first time at Meydan on Wednesday.
“This is not an easy race—it will be a tough race,” said Ghazali, Qatar’s champion trainer. “But I am happy to see what level my horse is at now and what he can do.”
Duramente (JPN) – The Japanese superstar, ranked jointly as the Longines World’s Best Horse, put in a routine canter and drove a bit strongly in the stretch on the dirt course at Meydan.
Regular exercise rider Atsunori Hashimoto said: “He’s become more relaxed and has a good mood.”
One And Only (JPN) – Current trainer of One And Only, Shinsuke Hashiguchi, who took over the horse after his father Kojiro retired last month, arrived in Dubai this morning and watched his work at Meydan.
Hashiguchi said: “He looks well with big strides, and everything is in order. Last year when he came to Dubai, the travel was smooth and he did not show any tiredness.
“This year, we took the charter flight and he travelled well to Dubai last Thursday, so I decided to work him on the turf course on Sunday. He will gallop on turf with jockey Yutaka Take aboard tomorrow.”
Dariyan (FR) – The Alain de Royer Dupré-trained Dariyan was the only one of the French raiders that went onto the grass track.
He was on his own for this gallop and Antoine Creton, travelling head lad for the yard, said afterwards: “Dariyan worked on the grass this morning and I’m happy with him. He didn’t go too fast as he stretched in front of the Meydan stand, which is just what we wanted. This was his last piece of work before Saturday and all is well.”
Gailo Chop (FR) – The Antoine de Watrigant-trained Gailo Chop came onto the main track at Meydan on his own.
His rider Steve Haes explained: “He jogged once round the track and then he cantered a little faster along the back. He worked on his own this morning.
“He is much calmer, more relaxed when he is on his own. When he works with the others, he starts pulling and I want to avoid that as he is spot on as it is. He already did his last piece of work at Bordeaux and doesn’t need more.”
Postponed (IRE) – The three-length winner of the Dubai City Of Gold sponsored by Skycargo had another easy morning, covering one lap of the all-weather training track with a lead horse, ahead of a trip to the main track tomorrow morning.
Trainer Roger Varian’s assistant Will Johnson said: “He has done a steady canter this morning, as he did yesterday and it is just routine work ahead of Saturday.
“Roger will be here tomorrow and the horse will exercise on the grass on the main track. He has settled in well, is eating up and couldn’t be in a better place.”
Highland Reel (IRE) – Aidan O’Brien’s Hong Kong Vase winner arrived in Dubai this morning and will clear quarantine on Thursday.
“He travelled super, there have been no problems and he will be out on Thursday,” commented O’Brien’s travelling head lad Pat Keating.
Sheikhzayedroad (GB) – The recent Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Skycargo winner covered one lap of the all-weather track.
Last Impact (JPN) – Assistant Trainer Kazuya Maekawa said: “He arrived in good shape and has been training as he usually would in Japan. He had a solid fast work on Sunday and will have his final fast work tomorrow. He will run in tandem with fellow contender One and Only on the turf course.”
Group 1 US$6m Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World – 1800m (Turf)
Harry’s Son (SAF) – Worked on the dirt course.“He went round the main track this morning, he did his last proper bit of work on Sunday. We’ll just a little bit with him tomorrow, trot him on Thursday and then give him a canter on Friday,” said Roy Waugh, assistant to trainer Paul Lafferty.
Basateen (IRE) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “He went to Meydan on Monday and worked well. We did not time him but it was a good piece of work.”
Farrier (USA) – Jockey Richard Mullen commented: “That was a massive run on Super Saturday and he has done everything we have of asked him since in good style. He seems fit, well and raring to go.”
Ghaamer (USA) – Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: “We are very happy with him and expect a big effort.”
Forries Waltz (SAF) and Ertijaal (AUS) – “Both are fit and well, which is obviously a plus but, as I have said before, Tryster looks the one to beat,” said trainer Mike de Kock.
The Corsican (IRE) – David Simcock’s improving five-year-old cleared quarantine this morning and had his first Dubai experience with a light breeze around the training track.
Intilaaq (GB) – Roger Varian’s lightly-raced four-year-old followed stablemate Postponed around the all-weather training track in preparation for his first run since August.
The owner, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, had his racing manager Angus Gold in attendance to oversee the work.
Varian’s assistant Will Johnson said: “He has done another steady canter like he did yesterday and will exercise on the main turf track tomorrow once Roger is here. I couldn’t be happier with how he has taken to life here and he’s in a good place.”
Euro Charline (GB) – Last year’s fourth in the race warmed up for another crack when finishing a staying-on second to Very Special in the Balanchine sponsored by Skywards.
Trainer Marco Botti’s wife Lucie said: “She did her final piece of work on Sunday and had a routine canter on the main track his morning. She hadn’t run since September before her run here last month so she could come on for it, but the draw will be important and she wouldn’t want to be too wide.”
Flamboyant (FR) – Trainer Paddy Gallagher was on hand to watch his challenger gallop at Meydan.
“We got in last night and went over and visited him,” said Gallagher.“He was eating his feed. He looked well and he seems like he’s travelled well.”
Gelded after a heavy defeat in an allowance race at Santa Anita Park last spring, Flamboyant put in three mid-pack finishes before winning back to back Grade 2 stakes races.
“It took him a while to come around after we gelded him,” said Gallagher.
Real Steel (JPN) – Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said: “This morning he cantered a lap and a half around the dirt course and we finished the morning with a bit of gate practice. Tomorrow he will work 600m with Ryan Moore on the turf. In the Group 2 Nakayama Kinen last month he was in very good condition but a little heavier than we would have liked.The run did him good as he is currently 498kg and perfectly fit. He is right where we want him and the 1800m distance is perfect.”
Gabrial (IRE) – Out and about in public for the first time since arriving in Dubai at the weekend, the Richard Fahey-trained seven-year-old completed a steady lap of the main dirt track in the hands of stable jockey Sammy-Jo Bell.
“We just had a hack round,” Bell said. “He’s plenty fit enough and he’s been here before so knows the place. He travelled over really well and I’m very happy with him.”
Group 1 US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News, 1200m (Dirt)
X Y Jet (USA) – Galloped once around the Meydan oval at 7am.
“We jog him to the quarter pole, gallop once around, stop him close to the wire and then jog him back,” trainer Jorge Navarro explained. “He’s a sprinter. We want him to be on edge for the race and break out of there running. With the speed he’s got, he’s a super freaky fast horse.”
Navarro said X Y Jet will go through same routine Wednesday and earlier Thursday morning and then simply walk on Friday.
“We’ve been here for a week and it’s the best he’s ever trained and his attitude is great,” Navarro said. “He’s been cleaning his feed tub every day, and as a trainer that’s the best sign we can get. In his last race at Gulfstream he stumbled bad at the break and the race took a lot out of him, so we just want to be easy on him and keep him happy. We’ve been working with him in the gate, but his stumbles are our biggest concern. We don’t want to draw the rail or the extreme outside post. The track here reminds me of Churchill Downs. I ran Private Zone there last year and when I walked over this track I noticed the similarity right away. I have a lot of respect for our competition, but we are ready.”
Domineer (GB) – Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “He has travelled well. I’m very happy with his preparation. I think he is a first four chance in a race that to me seems quite open.”
Master Kochanwong (AUS) – Trainer David Hall said: “The feedback I have received from everyone there is that he has travelled over very well and is thriving. He’s not the biggest horse so he doesn’t need a lot of work but he’ll have a look at the big track on Wednesday morning and maybe again on Friday. He goes well fresh and he deserves his place in the race.”
Rich Tapestry (IRE) – Irving Chan, travelling head lad to trainer Michael Chang, said: “He cantered easy again. No problems. We are taking it steady.”
Super Jockey (NZ) – Trainer Tony Millard said: “My wife Beverley rode him this morning and his travel and preparation has not posed a problem, which is good news. We have trained him specifically for this race since he ran second in it last year and things have gone pretty much according to plan so far.”
Confrontation (USA) – Over a sealed main track at Marmoom, he slow galloped 2400m.
“He’s all dappled out,” assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin said. “Training in Dubai can be very therapeutic. We have the advantage of training here (Marmoom) by ourselves. We’ve been able to go right-handed with him, teach him how to use his body differently and balance himself better.”
Previously trained in America by Barclay Tagg, Confrontation’s lone start for Godolphin produced a victory in the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes at Meydan on February 4.
“He was a bad actor earlier in his career,” McLaughlin said. “He dropped Rajiv (jockey Maragh) at least four times. We learned he has sensitive withers and once they’re given a leg up, you want the jockey to stay away from them, We’ve also had a chiropractor working on him. Every horse has different quirks and needs and figuring them out goes a long way in helping them reach their potential.”
Reynaldothewizard (USA) – Jockey Richard Mullen said: “He is never a great work horse so is always hard to gauge. He is fresh and well though which is always a good sign.”
Muarrab (GB) – Jockey Paul Hanagan commented: “He seems an even better horse this season and Super Saturday was amazing. Obviously it will be a tougher race Saturday but he is in great shape.”
Morawij (GB) – Dhruba Selvaratnam, still reeling from the enforced withdrawal of Market Rally (USA) from the UAE Derby, has left no stone unturned in the preparation of Morawij.
“He has not raced at Meydan so we took him over there last week. He seemed happy enough on the surface,” said Selvaratnam. “His main gallop was last Thursday, over 100m and he will ‘breeze’ 600m on Thursday.”
Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Meydan Hotels and Hospitality, 1000m (Turf)
Lady Shipman (USA) – galloped 2000m over the Meydan dirt.
“The reason we got her was to come to Dubai,” assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin said. “Her previous trainer Kathleen O’Connell did a wonderful job with her. We are very happy to have her. She came to us in great shape. The owners (Ranlo Investments, LLC) wanted a team that was familiar with racing in both the United States and Dubai, and given our history in both places, we fit the bill.”
A winner of seven of 10 starts last season and the runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint against males, Lady Shipman was an Eclipse Award finalist in the Female Sprint division.
“Sprinting on turf in America, there’s not a lot of purse money or graded stakes opportunities to be had,” McLaughlin said. “The Al Quoz just makes sense.”
Mongolian Saturday (USA) – Misses race as suffering from travel sickness.
Not Listenin’tome (AUS) – George Moore, assistant trainer to John Moore, said: “He was out on the dirt this morning for the first time. He is eating and drinking up well and we have no complaints. Reckon he will do much the same on Wednesday morning and on Thursday the idea is that he will breeze on the turf track.”
Peniaphobia (IRE) – Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He had a nice stretch on the dirt this morning. He seems in good health and we are happy with his condition.”
Ertijaal (IRE) – Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: “He is exciting and we are really hopeful he will run a massive race on Saturday.”
Fityaan (GB) – Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi said: “As I said yesterday, he is a very capable performer and, hopefully, will run another big race.”
Bel Canto (JPN) – Has had an easy lap of the dirt track at Meydan and work rider Fumiaki Shibahara said: “She was nervous and tense with the new atmosphere here. She is getting used to it and is fit and well. She will blow on the grass tomorrow.”
Sole Power (IRE) – The current champion warmed up with a defence of his title by finishing second in the Meydan Sprint sponsored by Arabian Adventures, and his trainer Edward Lynam was on hand to oversee the nine-year-old stretch his legs on the all-weather training track.
“He trains himself really and has done a steady canter and quickened up for the last 400m,” he said. “It’s his sixth year here and he loves being out here. I am looking forward to the race and the quicker they go the better it will be for him. The plan is to give him a workout tomorrow on the main grass track and that will be him sorted for Saturday.”
Naadirr (IRE) – Second over 1200m and fourth over 1000m in two runs at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the Marco Botti-trained five-year-old galloped on Sunday and again yesterday so enjoyed an easy leg stretch this morning.
“He is well and the fast ground will suit him,” said Botti’s wife Lucie. “It looks a very good race, perhaps the best for years, but Naadirr is still learning and will eventually be top class.”
Goldream (IRE) – The seven-year-old, who ran below par when seventh on his reappearance in the Meydan, was restricted to light work on the training track.
Buffering (AUS) – Australia’s sole representative on the big night was out very early on the Meydan turf track, which he will tackle for the first time on Saturday. He worked steadily over 800m before being extended for a further 200m by regular work rider Melanie Sharpe.
Queensland trainer Robert Heathcote said: “That’s the second time since Saturday that we have been able to use the straight turf track, and it’s very helpful because it’s a daunting facility, with such a huge grandstand alongside. He was keen, worked enthusiastically and pulled up well. The going was probably a little on the soft side but it should be ideal for Saturday. He’s definitely where we want him to be at this stage of the journey.”
Muthmir (IRE) – With a close third-placed outing at Lingfield last month and a non-racing trip to Chelmsford last week behind him, the six-year-old emerged from the quarantine area for the first time for an easy 1200m canter on the main dirt track under work rider Jason Favell.
Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: “He looks really good, bright and well. In fact, it’s the best I’ve ever seen him at this time of year.”
Sheikh Hamdan’s first jockey Paul Hanagan has chosen to ride Ertijaal, a former stablemate. Muthmir will be partnered by Dane O’Neill. Gold added: “I’m very happy with those arrangements.”
Sir Maximilian (IRE) – The seven-year-old, who finished a creditable sixth behind Sole Power in the race a year ago and scored over course and distance last month, worked a shade more quickly, breezing round a circuit of the training track for regular work rider Dawn Oxley.
He was in good spirits on the way back to the international quarantine stable, prompting Oxley to comment: “He’s fine when he’s hacking and doing his work but can be a little keen in between. That’s just how he is.”
Group 2 $US2m UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, 1900m
Polar River (USA) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “She did her final serious gallop on Sunday and clocked about 48 seconds over 1000m. We are very pleased with her.”
Vale Dori (ARG) – Trainer Mike de Kock said: “She may not have enjoyed the smoothest early part of the year, preparation wise, but she is very well and should run a big race.”
Lani (USA) – Worked on the dirt course, following schooling in the starting gate under regular work rider Eishu Maruuchi, who said: “He had no issue to get in and to stand by in the gate. I will give him a blow on dirt tomorrow morning.”
Lazzam (GB) – Marco Botti’s representative has won one of his eight starts and finished second to Market Rally on both outings at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, including when runner-up in the Al Bastakiya sponsored by Emirates Skywards.
“It looks a tough race but he can handle the dirt and we will be delighted if he can place,” said the trainer’s wife Lucie. “He just had a routine canter on the dirt track this morning after working over the weekend.”
Yu Change (JPN) – Cantered a lap and a half around the dirt course with JRA Jockey School student Kenji Kawamata aboard, and will move into fast work tomorrow with the same exercise rider.
Assistant trainer Yuki Hisako said: “The trip was no problem at all for him or his stablemate On the Rocks. Yu Change in particular has really blossomed during his training here.”
On the Rocks (JPN) – He cantered about three lengths behind stablemate Yu Change to practice settling as he tends to be keen to take the lead. Connections want him to sit off the pace in the race. Mirco Demuro will ride him in his fast work tomorrow, where he will also be running behind his stablemate. Hisako said: “He is getting better every day.”
Frank Conversation (USA) – Galloped 2400 metres on the main track at Meydan.
“It was perfect,” said assistant trainer Leandro Mora. “Tomorrow he will do the same thing. He will come out at 7am.”
Group 2 US$1m Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors
Vazirabad (FR) – Trained in Chantilly by Alain de Royer Dupré, he came out onto the main track at Meydan. Antoine Creton, travelling head lad for the yard, said: “Vazirabad has now acclimatised. He just did a little canter on the dirt this morning. Yesterday, he only jogged, but today he jogged once round and then cantered. I’m happy with him now.”
Manatee (GB) – The André Fabre trained Manatee worked on with his stable companion Vadamos. For this canter on the main track he was partnered by jockey William Buick, who had come especially to Meydan to ride the Godolphin SNC-owned five-year-old son of Monsun.
Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Chantilly-based trainer, said afterwards: “Manatee galloped over 1200m on the main track at Meydan. He was ridden by William Buick for this piece of work and was joined by Vadamos in the final 100m. He is in very nice form. In fact, I’m happy with both of them.”
Paradise (GER) – The German filly arrived in Dubai on Saturday and was out on the training track. Looked after by Radik Hennig, who has been to Dubai many times, Paradise is trained by Waldemar Hickst and is the only German contender on Dubai World Cup night.
“She is a very small filly,” he explained. “And she only ran on March 10, so she doesn’t need much work. She lost a bit of weight on the plane, which is normal, but she is eating well now. I took her to the training track and all I did was a slow canter. She might do some work on Thursday, but it will be the trainer who decides that when he gets here.”
Certerach (IRE) – Mick Halford’s eight-year-old will be bidding for a second win in the stayers’ event and continued his build-up after three Dubai World Cup Carnival runs by covering one lap of the turf training track.
Neo Black Dia(JPN) – Assistant trainer Futoshi Katsuzaki said: “He lost a bit of condition on his trip to Dubai but has rebounded nicely and is back to his normal self, training just as he would at home.”
Due to the seven year old’s versatility, his connections are waiting until the barrier draw to develop a race strategy. During training he can be seen wearing a pacifier hood that helps to keep him calm. He will wear the hood in the paddock before the race but he will not run with it. We finished the morning with a bit of schooling in the paddock.”
Suegioo (FR) – Preparing for his first outing for Malton trainer Richard Fahey after four seasons with Marco Botti in Newmarket, the 2014 Chester Cup winner went at a steady pace on a lap of the dirt training track for Sammy-Jo Bell.
“He’s a bit of a worrier, but is bright and well, and seems to be getting over the travelling,” Bell said. “He certainly cantered round okay today.”
Big Orange (GB) – Fifth in the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup,he galloped on the all-weather training track at Meydan. Trainer Michael Bell is pleased with how the son of Duke of Marmalade is coming into the race.
“He’s travelled well,” said Bell. “The preparation has gone smoothly.”
Winner of the Group 2 Goodwood Cup last July, the bay with the big lop ears lives up to his name. “He’s enormous,” said his trainer. “He’s 15kg heavier this year.”
Group 2 US$1m Godolphin Mile sponsored by Meydan Sobha, 1600m (Dirt)
Sloane Avenue (USA) – Worked on dirt track under Sean Murphy. “It was his first day on the track and he just lobbed around,” said trainer Jeremy Noseda’s travelling head lad, Dave Bradley. “He left home on Saturday and arrived here on Sunday morning. We’ve been very happy with him.”
Marking (USA) – Over a sealed track at Marmoom with jockey James Doyle aboard, he broke from the gate with stablemate Watershed, worked 400m in “24 and change” and continued on with a strong 1600m gallop.
“We wanted to reacquaint him with James,” assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin said. “He’s had gate problems his entire life. In his first ever race, he sat down in the gate and had to be scratched. He’s come a long way since then. We’ve done quite a bit of gate work with him since he last raced (last month’s win in the Naboodah National Plant Trophy). He’s come out the front wonderfully five times now.”
A lightly raced four-year-old, with only five starts on his record, the mental part of Marking’s game is starting to catch up with his physical talents.
“He’s always been a hot horse who gets excited and a little worked up but the more he races and learns to overcome different scenarios, the better he gets,” McLaughlin said. “We couldn’t be happier. He’s never been more fit. He’s tucked up quite a bit since he’s been in Dubai.”
One Man Band (IRE), Cool Cowboy (USA) and Faulkner (GB) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “They have all completed their serious work and pleased us in the process. Faulkner worked on Sunday over 800m and covered it in about 49 seconds. Cool Cowboy was slightly quicker over the same distance on Monday, whereas One Man Band worked over 100m in about a minute. All three are fit and well.”
Prayer For Relief (USA) – Trainer Mike de Kock said: “All has gone to plan and he arrives on Saturday in great shape.”
Maftool (USA) – Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi said: “He worked well on Saturday and we just do not know how good he is. He has done nothing wrong since joining us.”
Group 1 (Purebred Arabians) US$1m Dubai Kahayla Classic empowered by IPIC, 2000m (Dirt)
Arkan (OM) – An eight-time winner who has competed across the Gulf, from Oman to Saudi Arabia to Qatar, Arkan travelled by van from his Omani base to the Dubai World Cup quarantine centre on Tuesday with arrival expected in the afternoon.
Trainer Hamood Al Raqadi said he expects his consistent runner to perform well, although he knows that that race will be challenging with a 15-horse field of top rivals.
“He’s a good horse,” Raqadi said. “I know him very well and, inshallah, I think he’ll do his best.”
Arkan, who finished a good second in the Group 2 Qatar Derby at Al Rayyan on December 30, was expected to train on the Meydan track for the first time on Wednesday morning.
TM Thunder Struck (US) – Trained in Qatar by Alban de Mieulle, he arrived at Meydan on Tuesday morning.
His trainer, who will be at Meydan by the end of the week, said: “He travelled well. He is a very good traveller. He did his last bit of work in Qatar on the sand yesterday. He worked over 1200m left-handed and I’m very happy with him.”
Handassa (FR) – Doric Binot was on board the François Rohaut-trained representative, who came out onto the main training track at Meydan.
Binot said afterwards: “All is well. This morning he went for a canter over 1400m. He is in great form and I’m very happy with him.”
Mahess du Soleil (GB) – The Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé-trained runner came onto the main track at Meydan and looked nice and relaxed under work rider Jerome Cabre.
Cabre said: “I came out onto the track with Handassa but then we split up. I walked until the start for 1000m, then I cantered until the post, then I walked again to the start of the 1000m and cantered once more. He is in good form.”
