Chess Chief has developed a remarkable affinity for the Fair Grounds, scene of all five career wins to date. It was apt, as such, that the latest of those should have come in the Tenacious S. over Christmas–that race being named for the winner of 11 stakes round the track, including three editions (1958-1960) of the one for which Chess Chief holds an entry Saturday.

But it's not as though the GIII Louisiana S. represents much easier pickings than the $3-million prize in Florida: the presence of two elite sophomores of 2021, Mandaloun (Into Mischief) and Midnight Bourbon (Tiznow), makes it look an exceptionally tough field for the grade. And nor is it just the competition that is liable to prove white-hot at Gulfstream, where the pace could set up favorably for the kind of late charge Chess Chief deployed to nail the Tenacious.

“We're going to make a move and scratch on Saturday,” Stewart confirmed to TDN. “He has an invitation in Florida and we're going to see how we do over there. He's never been in a race where there's been a ton of speed, which it looks like there should be in the Pegasus. We kicked it around, back and forth, and I could see either side of it. It's going to be hard, very hard, but he's already made over $800,000, and if he can finish third that would put him over $1 million. And then we'd be starting to think about where he could be aiming, as far as being a stallion is concerned.”

Win, lose or draw in Miami, Chess Chief will still retain the option of the GII New Orleans Classic at the end of the meet–a race he won last year, and a natural opportunity to resume his bid to become a modern Tenacious. That's a fitting aspiration not only for Stewart, who laid down the roots of his own career here, but also for the family of the horse's late owner.

James J. Coleman, Jr. was a cherished figure in the Crescent City, a businessman and philanthropist who crossed the trans-Atlantic divide with such charm (an oarsman at both Princeton and Oxford) that he was twice honored by Queen Elizabeth II and even appointed her government's honorary consul in New Orleans.

“He was great man, a real fixture here in New Orleans,” Stewart said. “Unfortunately, he passed away [in 2019], but his son Jamie is picking up the reins. Jamie's daughter Jane-Owen is only about 12, but she's really interested, too.

“It just happens that their horse really likes the Fair Grounds. Some horses just like certain tracks. I don't know what it is, in this case, but he finishes off his races here real hard. He must really like the surface. But this would have been a very tough race for a minimal amount of money, compared to the other one. The other race is even tougher, of course, but there's more speed and it might just set up good for him.”

That dauntless approach is trademark Stewart, and has often paid dividends. A couple of years ago he won the GI Ashland S, with 52-1 shot Out For A Spin (Hard Spun), and he landed the GI Kentucky Oaks back in 2006 with a 47-1 shocker in Lemons Forever (Lemon Drop Kid). In consecutive years, moreover, he saddled an outsider to finish second in the GI Kentucky Derby itself: Golden Soul (Perfect Soul) at 34-1 in 2013, and then Commanding Curve (Master Command) at 37-1.

And he sends two sophomores in pursuit of Derby starting points in the GIII Lecomte S. on Saturday's card. Unified Report (Unified) steps up in distance, and out of state-bred company, after extending his unbeaten start in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile S.; but Surfer Dude (Curlin) appears to have his work cut out to reverse Gun Runner S. form with the impressive Epicenter (Not This Time).

“They've both got a lot to prove in a very good race, but they're training well and have run competitively here, so we're going to see where we're at,” Stewart reasoned. “I think Unified Report will [stay the new trip]: he's got a lot of strength, just looking at him, and he doesn't get tired when he's working. He's on a roll, three-for-three, so we'll see how good he is. Surfer Dude has to make a big move forward, but he did that before and hopefully can make another jump.”

There will be no less interest, however, in another 3-year-old from the barn who makes his debut in the ninth race. Vinco (Quality Road) was a knockout $1.5-million purchase by West Point Thoroughbreds at the Fasig-Tipton Midatlantic 2-Year-Old Sale last year and surfaces here in partnership with Gervais Racing LLC. “He's just getting started a little late, but he's a very nice colt,” Stewart said. “But none of those numbers matter, it's a horserace and they've all got to run.”

Another sophomore carrying a big tag shaped extremely well in defeat last weekend. Strava (Into Mischief) now represents a partnership including octogenarian Louisville Cardinals coaching legend Denny Crum after going through the ring for $825,000 at the Keeneland November Sale, following an impressive debut at the adjacent track's fall meet. He still looked green when resuming at the Fair Grounds, all but overcoming a messy trip through the slop in an optional claimer over just six furlongs.

“The conditions were very rough and he stumbled a little bit leaving the gate, but he finished up good and looked like was going to win despite a wide trip,” Stewart reflected. “I thought he ran big, we're hoping to stretch him out next time and he could be a very nice colt.”

Of his association with Crum, Stewart remarked: “Well, you know, these are very competitive people. They understand the game, they like to know the strategy, how we're going to accomplish things. I've worked with him for a long time, he certainly knows about winning, and that's what he likes to do. It's quite cool to have these type of people around you, it really is.”

Among his sophomore fillies, meanwhile, Stewart reported that the Grade I-placed Sequist (Nyquist) is closing on her first appearance since trying her luck in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. “She did her second 5/8ths [breeze] today in 1:01,” he said. “She's looking at running middle of next month, probably in an allowance.”

Of his older team, Title Ready (More Than Ready) is set to accompany Chess Chief to Gulfstream. Winner of the Louisiana S. last year, he disappeared after a crack at the G1 Dubai World Cup and shaped well on his comeback at Churchill in November, only to fail to build on that next time.

“He did not have a great race in the mud at Oaklawn,” conceded Stewart. “But he's come back and had two good works since, and was a very well accomplished horse last year who ran big off his lay-off. He's been invited, so we'll give him a shot also.”

But Long Range Toddy (Take Charge Indy), who put himself on the Derby trail when winning the GII Rebel S. for Steve Asmussen three years ago, is struggling to revive that sparkle after a second disappointing performance in Hot Springs last weekend. “I know he loves Churchill but I just don't how much he still loves Oaklawn,” said Stewart. “He's got me scratching my head, to be honest, but we'll try to figure it out.”

In the round, however, Stewart can only be delighted with the state of his barn. In his 25th year as a trainer, he accumulated over $4.3 million in prizemoney in 2021, a tally he has only once surpassed–and then only narrowly, two years previously.

“You know, we just got to keep getting good horses,” he said. “I think we had seven or eight first-time starters win last year, and 12 or 13 2-year-old winners. I think those are pretty good numbers for a 40-horse stable. Now we've just got to keep getting accomplishments in these big races.”

Sure enough, he will never worry about the Tote board, or the ratings–and hence the bold move with Chess Chief.

“Listen, I feel good about the horse,” he said. “And no, I'm not scared of any numbers.”

The post Stewart Diverts Fair Grounds Stalwart to Pegasus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The 2019 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner was timed in 1:02.30 for his fifth workout at Gulfstream Park's satellite training facility in Palm Beach County since concluding his resurgent 2021 campaign at Woodbine.

“He's been training well. His breeze this morning was very good,” said trainer Mark Casse, who reported that he has yet to decide who will ride the 6-year-old son of Awesome Again in the Pegasus World Cup, which will be featured on a blockbuster program that will also include the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) and the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G3).

Sir Winston returned from a layoff of nearly a year to enjoy a solid four-race 2021 campaign, starting with an impressive Aug. 19 allowance win at Woodbine, where the Kentucky homebred finished a close second in both the Durham Cup (G3) and Autumn (G2) before winning the 1 ½-mile Valedictory (G3).

Calumet Farm's Channel Cat, the durable Grade 1-winning millionaire homebred, continues to train forwardly as he prepares for his next and possibly final start in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) Jan. 29 at Gulfstream Park.

Channel Cat, by late 2007 turf champion English Channel, has been working steadily since mid-December for trainer Jack Sisterson at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream's satellite training facility in Palm Beach County. The 7-year-old went an easy half-mile in 53 seconds Friday morning.

“You might think, 'What's going on here?' but this [was] the plan because he went a quick half last week,” trainer Jack Sisterson said. “We're just going to step back this week and then he'll have probably a half in company next week and be ready to go.”

In his previous three works, the Channel Cat went four furlongs in 47.05 seconds Jan. 9, the fastest of 37 horses; 48.95 Jan. 2; and 48.90 Dec. 24, ranking first of 46 horses.

“His [Jan. 9] work was his first one in company. I was debating whether to keep him at a half or go five-eighths. He's been doing enough at a half-mile; he's only going to do too much going five-eighths,” Sisterson said. “The work was not as planned.

“We worked another horse, [Grade 2-placed] In Effect, and he sort of got a little bit keen outside of [Channel Cat]. It was beautiful to see Channel Cat relax inside. He was always traveling well and had a ton of horse left. We don't want to run his race in the morning. He's had a lot of air left in the tank in his works.”

Channel Cat has run in the Pegasus Turf before, never getting in contention after being bumped at the start in 2019 and finishing 10th for his previous trainer, Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher. Last winter, Channel Cat ran on the Pegasus undercard in the 1 ½-mile W.L. McKnight (G3), finishing fifth.

Since joining Sisterson in mid-2020, Channel Cat has run eight times with one win, the Man o'War (G1) at Belmont Park last May. Most recently he was second by a neck in the 1 3/8-mile Red Smith (G2) Nov. 20 at Aqueduct.

Overall, Channel Cat owns six wins, four seconds and five thirds with $1,456,022 in purse earnings from 30 lifetime starts. He is 2-1-2 in 10 career tries over the Gulfstream turf, running second in his July 1, 2017 debut. His other graded win came in the 2019 Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga.

Channel Cat is listed on Calumet Farm's website as one of its 15 stallions for 2022, with an advertised fee of $7,500.

“He's a cool horse. He came in great shape off Todd, and I just didn't want to ruin what Todd had done with him, so I just didn't get in his way,” Sisterson said. “He's an older horse, he knows his job, and he loves to get out there and train. If he's not out there by 5:30, he shouts the barn down. If he's not the first walk in the afternoon, again he shouts. We just try to keep him happy and not get in his way.”

Pletcher sent out two of his Pegasus Day probables out for half-mile works Friday on the dirt at Palm Beach Downs. Repole Stable's multiple graded-stakes placed Never Surprised, last out winner of the Dec. 26 Tropical Park Derby at Gulfstream, went in 51.40 seconds while Robert and Lawana Low's Sweet Melania covered the distance in 50.43.

Sweet Melania, who earned her third career graded-stakes triumph in the Dec. 18 Suwannee River (G3) at Gulfstream, is being pointed to the inaugural $500,000 Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf. Never Surprised could join his stablemate and defending champion Colonel Liam in the Pegasus Turf.

Title Ready needs defections from original list of 19 invitees to get into the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) field, but trainer Dallas Stewart said the 7-year-old will run if granted the opportunity.

Title Ready most recently finished sixth in Oaklawn Park's $200,000 Tinsel Dec. 18, but Stewart says to throw that performance out because of the sloppy track.

“He's doing well, he just didn't have a good race in the mud,” Stewart said. “We'll see how it plays out.”

Since winning the Louisiana (G3) last January, Title Ready has raced only two other times, finishing off the board in the Dubai World Cup (G1) and then a close third in a tough Churchill Downs allowance off a 7 1/2-month layoff.

Title Ready's second dam is Hall of Famer Personal Ensign, an extraordinarily rare unbeaten champion whose produce record lived up to her racing career. Personal Ensign's unraced daughter Title Seeker was sold to Charles Fipke, owner-breeder of Title Ready, for $1.7 million in 2006 and has been a very good broodmare.

Title Seeker's daughter, Seeking the Title, won the Iowa Oaks (G3) and was Grade 1-placed. Then Seeking the Title subsequently produced $3.78 million-earner Seeking the Soul, second in the 2019 Pegasus World Cup and 2018 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) and winner of the Clark Handicap (G1) and Stephen Foster (G2).

The post Classic Winner Sir Winston Works For Pegasus; Sisterson Has Channel Cat ‘Ready To Go’ For Pegasus Turf appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Chuwa Wizard – The sole Japanese contender cantered for half a lap on the dirt track with his regular work rider Kota Kato on board.

“He feels great. I think he can go into the race a fit horse,” Kato said.

“He will put on toe outer rim (shoes) with 2mm spikes for the race, as the 2000m (1 1/4 miles) has two turns, and will get familiarized with them in the trotting ring tomorrow. Everything is all set and fingers crossed.”

Gifts of Gold – Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said of his Red Sea Turf Handicap winner: “He had a prep run here over 2000m before Saudi. People were asking me why are you running him over 3200m, he's a 2000m horse. But in my mind I knew this was the right thing to do.

“The key to this horse is he has to be close, sitting quietly second or third will make the difference with him. Pat (Cosgrave) knows him well, he rides him in the mornings, he knew what to do. He won well and picked up some nice prize money.

“Now we prepare him for the Dubai World Cup, back over 2000m. It's tough but it's an open race. ”

Regarding the draw in stall 14, Bin Suroor continued: “I never pick a good one, luckily the horses have been good enough to win. It's not ideal but Christophe Soumillon knows the track well and has won the race twice. What's important for the horse is to jump well and get a nice position. The last piece of work was Thursday and he went very well, we can do no more now.”

Great Scot – Cantered one lap of the track and just stretched out over the final 200m of his work this morning.

Saud Alkahtani, speaking on behalf of trainer, Abdullah Mishriff, said: “He's training very good, he likes the track, it's different compared with the Saudi track, here it's sharper in comparison but he loves it.”

Reflecting on the third-placed spot in the Saudi Cup, he continued: “That's what makes us think very highly of this horse's chances tomorrow, he was beaten by two good horses in Charlatan, one of the best in America, and Mishriff – a Group 1 winner in the French Derby and the Saudi Cup now – so I think our horse has a good chance tomorrow.”

Hypothetical – The former John Gosden-trained 4-year-old enjoyed some light exercise this morning at Fazza Stables. Trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer said: “He's as good as he can be, we're happy with the draw and looking forward to tomorrow now.”

Jesus' Team – Continued with an easy gallop on Friday morning, going two steady laps on the dirt track. Former Venezuelan leading trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo watched his every move and was pleased with what he witnessed.

D'Angelo said: “He went slower than yesterday. When he finishes and you go slow he'll try to jump where the lights are. So I told my rider (Willo Mercado) to keep him going. I'm very, very happy.

“I am ready. A little nervous for sure, but we are ready. I can't express this feeling. Not just to run, but to be running with a chance is amazing for me.

“Today he looked focussed, better than yesterday. The rider said he's 100%. My plan has gone well. We're ready to rock and roll.”

A sizeable Venezuelan contingent has turned up in support of the young trainer, including D'Angelo's wife, mother, sister and friends.

Magny Cours – The Andre Fabre-trained Magny Cours was one of the last foreign raiders to come onto the training track on Friday morning, where he did a slow canter. Richard Lambert, his travelling head lad, said: “We are happy with him. He is handling the heat really well. It is quite late when we come out in the morning, but he has adapted well to the heat.”

Mystic Guide – Godolphin's Mike Stidham-trained leading runner came out to the Meydan dirt track at 7am and had an easy gallop around the track before gate schooling for the second consecutive day.

“He had a nice easy gallop,” Stidham said. “That was the plan and he went well. Yesterday he was a little anxious in the gate, but today was better. He walks right in as soon as they put the strap behind him.”

Lightly raced, the homebred 4-year-old colt makes just his eighth start on Saturday.

“He just has flourished here,” Stidham continued. “Every day I've been watching his weight and seeing if his coat was changing, but he's been perfect. I'm amazed at how well he's taking all of this.”

Salute The Soldier – Trainer Fawzi Nass has completed preparations with his big-race runner and is happy with where he stands.

“As we have said we would have preferred a better draw but the horse is in great shape and his last work was very good indeed. Adrie (de Vries) is a world-class jockey so I will leave tactics to him as the race unfolds,” he said.

Sleepy Eyes Todd – A quiet morning was in store for Grade 2 Charlestown Classic victor Sleepy Eyes Todd, taking a steady turn around the Meydan dirt track. Trainer Miguel Angel Silva watched the grey from his customary spot on the apron.

Silva said: “He went very mildly, stretched his legs. We are ready. Hopefully we will go home with the prize-money. It's been a great learning experience and I love it. I would change nothing about the trip we've had.”

Five weeks ago Sleepy Eyes Todd appeared in Saudi Arabia, a first ever international venture for team Silva.

“He's been running every month. This is the perfect timing to be back running at 100%,” Silva continued.

“It is a dream come true for every trainer. Every person that works in this business is looking for a horse like this. There are only 14 horses in the race so there are very few people that can really come and enjoy this moment. We are really fortunate to be here, to be one of the few.”

Thegreatcollection – Trainer Doug Watson is thrilled but surprised that one of his stable stalwarts finally has a big-race chance.

“This horse owes us nothing; he has been a great servant to us all over four years and this time last year had just won the Silver Jubilee over 1400m at Jebel Ali,” he said. “If you told me then, or even in December when he won the Dubai Creek Mile, he would be running in a Dubai World Cup I would have laughed.

“But he has had a great season and proved he deserves his chance, especially with his second in the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge. He can be forgiven his lesser effort on Super Saturday because the bit slipped through his mouth and he has never been the easiest horse to ride.

“He has never been a flashy work horse and his last gallop was just typical of him and far from spectacular but that is normal. He saves his efforts for the races so hopefully Saturday is one of his big runs. There should be plenty of pace which will suit and we are really looking forward to it.”

Title Ready – Charles Fipke's homebred Title Ready jogged on Friday morning, getting the minimal amount of exercise and staying loose before his big bout tomorrow evening.

The son of More Than Ready has impressed the media with his appearance in recent days, hinting that he may be ready to step up to Grade 1 company off his Grade 3 victory last out in New Orleans. In November, he was off the board in the Breeders' Cup Classic over this same 2000m distance.

“We ran him in the Breeders' Cup and he ran pretty good, but then I ran him back too fast in the (Grade 1) Clark (Stakes) at Churchill (Downs),” trainer Dallas Stewart said. “He got some time and then won and looked really good at the Fair Grounds (in the G3 Louisiana Stakes). He's bred to be a good horse, by More Than Ready from the family of Personal Ensign. He deserves a shot in this race. He's a grinder and will keep trying.”

The post Dubai World Cup Notes: Title Ready ‘Deserves A Shot,’ Mystic Guide ‘Has Flourished’ In The UAE appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Coverage of the Dubai World Cup undercard, featuring six stakes races, will air live from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on FS1. The 'Golden Hour' telecast, featuring live coverage of the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic and Group 1 Dubai World Cup, will air from noon-1 p.m., Eastern on FS1. Coverage of the Dubai World Cup card on FS1 is presented by Star Guitar.

Rishi Persad, Tom Stanley and Angus McNae will be hosting the action from London, while Nick Lightfoot and Bernard Condren will bring viewers all the latest from Meydan Racecourse. The race call will be provided by Craig Evans. Laffit Pincay III will offer stateside updates live from Aqueduct Racetrack.

Scheduled post time for the Dubai World Cup is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.

The Dubai World Cup, to be contested at 10 furlongs at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will feature a full field of 14 horses.

Godolphin homebred Mystic Guide earned a 108 Beyer Speed Figure last out with a six-length score in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap on February 27 at Oaklawn Park in his seasonal debut.

The 4-year-old Ghostzapper chestnut, out of the multiple Grade 1-winning A.P. Indy mare Music Note, captured the Grade 2 Jim Dandy last summer at Saratoga Race Course. He completed his campaign with a runner-up effort to Happy Saver in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.

Luis Saez will pilot the Michael Stidham trainee from post 6.

Grupo 7C Racing Stable's Jesus' Team finished a closing second last out in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational on January 23 at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Jose D'Angelo and to be piloted from post 9 by Joel Rosario, Jesus' Team finished third in last year's Grade 1 Preakness at Pimlico Race Course ahead of a runner-up effort in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland.

Thumbs Up Racing's Sleepy Eyes Todd, a 5-year-old son of Paddy O'Prado, boasts a record of 18-8-2-0 with purse earnings in excess of $1.8 million. Trained by Miguel Silva, the versatile Sleepy Eyes Todd enjoyed a productive 2020 with wins in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic at nine furlongs and the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park.

Sleepy Eyes Todd, fifth last out in the Group 1 Saudi Cup, will exit post 10 under Alexis Moreno.

Charles Fipke homebred Title Ready enters from a rallying score in the Grade 3 Louisiana on January 16 at Fair Grounds Race Course. The Dallas Stewart trainee boasts a record of 25-5-6-4 with purse earnings of $656,680 and will be ridden by Ryan Moore from post 4.

International stars in the Dubai World Cup field include Chuwa Wizard [post 3, Keita Tosaki], who was named Japan's best dirt horse of 2020, and Salute the Soldier [post 11, Adrie de Vries], who won the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 last out at Meydan.

In addition to the Dubai World Cup, the Golden Hour telecast will include live coverage of the Group 1, $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic [12:10 p.m.] featuring multiple Grade 1 winner Channel Maker, the reigning Champion Turf Male trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott.

A loaded 10-horse field for the 12-furlong turf test includes Mishriff [post 10, David Egan], last-out winner of the Group 1 Saudi Cup on dirt.

The Dubai World Cup undercard will air live from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on FS1 and feature six stakes races including the Group 2, $750,000 Godolphin Mile; Group 2, $750,000 Dubai Gold Cup; Group 1, $1 million Al Quoz Sprint; Group 2, $750,000 UAE Derby; Group 1, $1.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen; and Group 1, $4 million Dubai Turf.

Free Equibase-provided past performances are available for races that are part of the broadcast and can be accessed at https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule.

The post FS1 To Provide Live Coverage Of Saturday’s Dubai World Cup appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Ajuste Fiscal – Had an easy workout on the Meydan dirt track at 5am on Wednesday.

“He is fit and well and really just having a leg stretcher before the big day,” said trainer Antonio Cintra.

Chuwa Wizard – The Japanese challenger was hand-walked for 60 minutes at the quarantine stable area and did not come out on the track this morning.

Work rider Kota Kato said: “He has settled well and is physically fit. He weighed 490kg today, about the same as when he won the Group 1 Champions Cup, which means he is in really good form. He will have a piece of work on the dirt track at 5am and will have a gate schooling tomorrow.”

Jesus' Team – A couple of new experiences characterized the last 24 hours for Jesus' Team and Venezuelan trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo.

Around 6pm on Tuesday night the colt was able to familiarize himself with the Meydan paddock.

“He looked a little sharp, a little nervous because all of it is new for him. It's a long walk and the transportation from the barn is in a truck. So that is new for him,” said D'Angelo.

“He will be more focused and more professional for the race because Jesus is always better the second time around.”

The following morning Jesus' Team took two turns around the dirt, followed shortly by a first look inside the starting gates.

D'Angelo said: “Today he improved on the track, every day he is going better. He did two laps, slow to a bit faster. Similar to how we are going to run [in the race]. He's doing perfectly. We went to the starting gate today with him and he looked very professional, very focused, not nervous. I like what I see.”

The Claiming Crown Jewel victor has quite the character, with D'Angelo having many a tale to tell.

“Yesterday before he was working, he put his feet on my back,” he said. “Before the Preakness one day he tried to escape when he was being hand-grazed. Jesus is a very delicate horse. You have to be able to deal with him.”

Magny Cours – The André Fabre-trained contender made his first appearance on the dirt track at Meydan on Wednesday morning where he cantered on the back stretch before going a bit quicker in front of the grandstand.

Richard Lambert, the travelling head lad who looks after the son of Medaglia d'Oro, said: “His rider was very happy with him this morning. Everything went well and he looks in good form. He will not come back to the dirt track but will remain on the training track.”

Mystic Guide – Godolphin's Mike Stidham-trained Mystic Guide did not come to the track on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday evening, the son of champion Ghostzapper and five-time Grade 1 winner Music Note went through the schooling process at Meydan, which involves vanning over from the international quarantine barn to the receiving barn, walking the 800m tunnel, saddling, parade-ring walking and then returning.

“Based on the schooling process we gave him the morning off,” Stidham said. “He had trained in the morning and then went over there for two hours of schooling, so we just felt like it would be best to give him an easy day. We walked and grazed him. Tomorrow he will gallop and stand in the gate.

“It's a lot different; the total opposite of what we do in the States,” he continued. “Doing all this in a week's time is very demanding on a horse and their routine, so you have to adapt your training with this extra activity and that's what I'm doing. He's plenty fit. I don't want to put him over the top and have a flat horse on race day.”

Salute The Soldier – Jockey Adrie de Vries had a positive bulletin on the Fawzi Nass trainee.

“He is a very exciting horse and we are all really looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “If you remember, this time last year he was favorite for the Godolphin Mile, now he has a live chance in the big race. His final work was very good and he seems in great form. Fawzi and his team have done very well keeping him fresh and happy. I am really looking forward to Saturday.”

Sleepy Eyes Todd – To the joy of the media, Sleepy Eyes Todd posed for the cameras after gate schooling, followed by an easy gallop. Trainer Miguel Angel Silva watched intently from the rail.

“This is the first time [in the gates]. They told me the gates are different than the ones in America. We just wanted to make sure he's OK in there, because they said they are smaller,” Silva elaborated.

“He was a gentleman like always, he was perfect. Today he just galloped around to stretch his legs. The job is done. We just keep him happy. We will continue with the easy canters, easy gallops over the next few days,” Silva continued.

Regular rider Jose Sandoval was aboard Sleepy Eyes Todd, the pair having been travelling everywhere together.

As for Saturday, Silva is ready to roll.

He continued: “I have been saying this a lot, we just need racing luck. We had a few issues with other horses in Saudi Arabia, they cut us off. All of a sudden, we were 15 lengths behind. Ideally, I would like to see him four or five lengths off the speed. And in front at the wire!”

Thegreatcollection – Continued his preparation at the Doug Watson stable with jockey Pat Cosgrave excited about his chances.

He said: “I am delighted be back on him and have a decent record on the horse this season. Look, I am not saying we are going to win but I certainly think he will run a big race.”

Title Ready – Charles Fipke's homebred Title Ready came to the dirt track at 7am and had an easy hack around with his owner in town to watch. Trainer Dallas Stewart was also on hand for the first time this week.

“The horse looked great,” Stewart said. “He's doing well. The horse came in good and we're excited to see what he can do on Saturday. He looks like he's getting over the track good. Like any of them, he's going to have to step his game up. It's a good race. He's a very nice horse who's six now and he's training well and coming off his best race. His best races might be ahead. Hopefully he'll step up to this level.

“I think the competition is solid. Mystic Guide is a wonderful horse coming off a win and you have to worry about him. The other American horses are really solid, as well.”

The post Dubai World Cup Notes: Jesus’ Team, Mystic Guide Take It Easy After Paddock Schooling appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Ajuste Fiscal – Uruguay's 2019 horse of the year stayed inside quarantine on Tuesday morning but is expected back on the Meydan dirt track alongside his UAE Derby-bound stablemate, El Patriota, at 5am on Wednesday.

Capezzano and Hypothetical – The two Salem Bin Ghadayer-trained Dubai World Cup charges stayed inside their trainer's base at Fazza Stables in Nad Al Sheba on Tuesday morning. Both horses completed their final bits of fast work on Saturday and are just ticking over until the big race.

Capezzano, the 2020 Group 3 Firebreak Stakes and 2019 Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 winner, started the year by finishing out of the money in the 1600m first round of the Al Maktoum Challenge and followed up with a fourth in Round 2 over 1900m.

Speaking about Capezzano, a 7-year-old son of Bernadini, Bin Ghadayer said: “The horse wasn't quite right in January. He was wrong in his coat and just wasn't himself which he showed in a couple of races where he didn't perform as expected.

“But now he's back in good health and really impressed us in his last pieces of work on Saturday over four furlongs (800m). We could have run him in the [Godolphin] Mile but with him being so well in himself and showing that the old Capezzano is back, we decided to take the chance in the big race.”

Chuwa Wizard – Japan's flagship for the race was given a gallop under his regular jockey Keita Tosaki in the first lot on the dirt track. He is the 2020 Japan Racing Association's champion dirt horse after winning the Grade 1 Champions Cup, the key race on the surface in his home country. His consistency is certainly his top selling point and before running ninth in the Saudi Cup, last month, he had never missed the board in 18 starts at home – being unplaced only once.

“He has trained well so far. The trainer told me to start a slow gallop at the beginning and then in the rest of the work I should decide the way he ran,” said his jockey Keita Tosaki. “I asked my horse to run comfortably and drive a bit more strongly towards the end of the stretch. He is more enthusiastic about his job compared to last time in Saudi, and I really understand how he is doing well and how good his condition is. He appears ready to race.

“Obviously it was not like he wasn't in good form when he ran last time, but he is definitely sharpening up mentally this time. Stretching out the distance back to 2000m with two turns in the race gives me a lot of expectations.”

Gifts Of Gold – Continues his preparation at his home base of Al Quoz. “He's as good as he can be and we're looking forward to Saturday night,” said trainer Saeed Bin Suroor.

Great Scot – Had some light exercise this morning within the quarantine facility and will train on the main dirt track tomorrow morning.

Trainer Abdullah Mishriff said: “Similar to the other Prince Faisal-owned horse, we moved our breezing day for Great Scot as we wanted to work him at home before shipping. He's come out of the breeze very well and all is going to plan. We're hoping for a good draw tomorrow.”

Jesus' Team – It was an important morning for Jesus' Team, as he was allowed to stretch his legs in the final 600m of the Meydan straight. Venezuelan trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo couldn't have been more pleased as he watched his charge stride along.

D'Angelo said: “He trained perfectly today. I spoke with the rider and asked him to let him run along in the last 2 to 3 furlongs (400 to 600m). He did this spectacularly in '26, like I wanted. I liked what I saw today, we are ready.”

Jesus' Team hadn't breezed since his 1400m move at Palm Meadows nine days ago.

“He needed this, this gallop. He breezed like it was nothing,” D'Angelo continued. “This is my first experience in a big race outside of the USA. He represents a big promise to the owner, to my country, to [the] USA, to perform well in this race.”

Magny Cours – The 6-year-old Magny Cours spent a second morning on the training track in Dubai after leaving quarantine on Monday.

Richard Lambert, the travelling head lad who looks after the André Fabre-trained son of Medaglia d'Oro, said: “Just like yesterday he came onto the training track, where he did a little canter. We won't be doing much between now and the Dubai World Cup. Magny Cours has adapted really well and seems to really like it here.”

Military Law – This 6yo gelded son of Dubawi has grown to love conditions in the UAE and shown an affinity for Meydan's dirt track over the past two seasons despite having to deal with some truly heavyweight names.

Second in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 over 1900m behind Benbatl and the 2000m Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 after his victory in The Entisar, Military Law brought his form forward into the new season and made his seasonal bow in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1, which he won by a length and a quarter from Thegreatcollection in January.

He was then dispatched to Riyadh and took on a host of top dirt runners from around the world in the Saudi Cup, where he placed a distant sixth behind eventual winner Mishriff over a 1900m trip.

Trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri said conditions at Riyadh did not suit Military Law, who needed time to recover after the race, but seems back to his pre-Saudi self now after reacclimatising at Meydan. Military Law hit the Meydan dirt track for an easy canter on Tuesday and will do his last piece of work Thursday with Al Mheiri admitting he will demand a bit more then.

“He came back in good shape from Saudi but the race and all the travelling took a bit out of him. The surface was deeper on the day and he came back a little bit tired but he's bounced back to normal. He was rested on Monday, cantered today and will get a bit of a breeze Thursday morning,” Al Mheiri said.

Al Mheiri's assistant Maria Ritchie, who has also been overseeing his conditioning, added: “He had his final gallop on Saturday and Musabbeh and Antonio, who has been riding him every day, are both happy with his work. He's put in good times and worked very well and we are happy with his times.”

Mystic Guide – Godolphin's Mike Stidham-trained Mystic Guide had an easy day at Meydan, jogging one circuit of the dirt track clockwise with a pony, sticking to the perimeter. Stidham and assistant Hilary Pridham arrived the previous evening from New Orleans and were on hand.

“Everything has been fantastic and the horse was very happy and relaxed in his jog,” Stidham said. “We'll school (in the saddling enclosure and parade ring) this evening. He seems to be taking everything really well.”

Having breezed Sunday and walked Monday, Mystic Guide will likely have an easy canter on Wednesday before the late-morning post position draw.

Stidham said that he would prefer “somewhere in the middle” as far as post position. Mystic Guide is the veteran conditioner's first runner outside of America or Canada. Jockey Luis Saez has the assignment on Saturday in what will be his first Dubai World Cup night ride. His agent, former trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, won the 2007 Dubai World Cup with Invasor and is a former UAE champion trainer.

Salute The Soldier – The in-form performer is having a quiet week at the Fawzi Nass stable. The trainer reported: “He has completed all his major work and will just tick over between now and Saturday, including a scheduled visit to Meydan. It is just great to be representing Bahrain in such a prestigious race, especially to be going there with a horse who has, we hope, a genuine chance. The draw is going to be crucial in that race.”

Sleepy Eyes Todd – Frequent traveller Sleepy Eyes Todd walked in the quarantine barn today, after putting in his final breeze over 1600m the day before. Trainer Miguel Angel Silva reported the grey to have pulled up well and he will appear on the dirt track again tomorrow.

Thegreatcollection – Trainer Doug Watson said: “We are delighted with him; he did his final piece of work yesterday, went very well and looks great. We then trotted him out in the afternoon and he was fine so we cannot get to Saturday quick enough and are really looking forward to it!”

Title Ready – Charles Fipke's homebred Title Ready exited his 800m Monday breeze in top order for trainer Dallas Stewart, who arrived on Monday evening. The Grade 3 winner will be ridden by Ryan Moore on Saturday.

“He's come out of his work really good,” Stewart said. “We're happy. No problems at all.” Stewart also reported that he would prefer a post that is “a little outside”.

Moore is winless in the Dubai World Cup so far but has finished third twice with Planteur (2012, 2013).

The post Dubai World Cup Notes: Jesus’ Team Blows Out Under Lights appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Most of the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup hopefuls completed maintenance works on Monday, but one of the American contenders-Jesus' Team (Tapiture), runner-up in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. on Jan. 23–galloped 1 1/2 circuits.

“We went to the track with him very early, because I want him to know the lights when we're going to run,” said trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo, who was the champion trainer in Venezuela in 2018. “It will be his first time running under the lights. Jesus did it perfectly. The horse is 100%. He loves Dubai, the weather, the water and the environment. I think he's ready with that last work at Palm Meadows over seven furlongs under his belt.”

Another horse representing the U.S. is Pegasus fourth and Saudi Cup fifth Sleepy Eyes Todd (Paddy O'Prado), who completed a two-minute lick during the second training slot.

“He did a two-minute mile and finished the last half a mile very strongly,” said trainer Miguel Angel Silva. “He went beautifully. I really liked it. Today was the last day of working. From now on, we just wait for the big race.”

A third American horse that breezed on Monday was GIII Louisiana S. victor Title Ready (More Than Ready) for trainer Dallas Stewart. The Charles Fipke colourbearer worked 800 metres in company with G2 UAE Derby aspirant Ambivalent (Constitution) from the Doug O'Neill barn.

“We just wanted something easy in :49 or :50 seconds and that's what we got,” assistant trainer Marcelino Jacuinde said. “Pedro Velez was on him, who was here the last two times in Dubai and he rode him last week before we came here.

“I thought he went just the way we wanted. He was nice and easy. We'll walk him tomorrow and come back to the track the next couple days.”

Ambivalent pleased assistant trainer Leandro Mora ahead of a start in the $750,000 G2 UAE Derby. A son of Constitution for Reddam Racing, the Grade II-placed winner breezed 800 metres with Grade III winner Title Ready.

“He comes from a really hot stallion and he has been unlucky in quite a few races,” Mora said. “He's doing very well and we'll try to get the points to be in the Kentucky Derby in the USA. I think the 1900m distance is an advantage for him and will help him.”

Ambivalent will have plenty of competition in the Derby, with 2021 Saudi Derby hero Pink Kamehameha (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}) set to line up among others. Hideyuki Mori's work rider Masaki Takano was bullish on his horse, who cantered 1 1/2 laps on the dirt track on Monday morning.

“Everything about him let us know he is a very healthy horse and keeps good form,” said Takano.

Gosdens' Trio in Good Form

John and Thady Gosden's Saudi Cup and G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), who is lining up for the $5-million G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on grass, is in good order ahead of Saturday's appearance. Out of quarantine, the younger Gosden was on hand to watch the 4-year-old colt canter around the training track with stablemates Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (G1 Dubai Turf) who won the G1 Prince of Wales's S. last year and Saudi Derby second New Treasure (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) (G2 UAE Derby).

“Mishriff has done well, he's happy and fresh,” said Thady Gosden. “He's obviously been to Saudi and back and taken the travelling well. He's a straightforward horse and, given he went from the cold at home to Saudi and then came back to the cold, he has taken it all very well.

“He's very versatile and obviously a mile and a half (2400m) will be different but it's a lovely galloping track at Meydan and Saturday will give us a pointer for the rest of the season.”

Of Lord North Gosden added, “He was fresh going around the track this morning, taking everything in, and seems to have travelled well. He came out last year when the meeting was cancelled due to Covid but he's been in similar form at home so we thought we'd bring him out.”

“He [New treasure] travelled over well and we'll take him out on the dirt track during the week,” added Gosden. “He ran well on his first start for us in Saudi Arabia and has earned his place in the UAE Derby.”

Sprinters Eye Desert Riches

Edward Bethell's Moss Gill (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is preparing for the $1.5-million G1 Al Quoz Sprint, cantered on the training track on Monday morning.

“I'm very happy with the way he's travelled,” said Bethell of his 2020 G1 Nunthorpe S. third. “We were all quite concerned because he's never been further than Lingfield in his life, so to come to Dubai was quite a challenge. He's taken it all in his stride. He's eating well now and he was very happy on the track this morning.

“He just did a very steady canter and he doesn't need an awful lot of work. He takes very little training just as long as he's fresh and happy and well. That's the main thing.”

Graham Motion trainee True Valour (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) is another Al Quoz contender and worked three furlongs over the turf on Monday morning. Assistant trainer Cat McGee was on hand to observe the work. The 7-year-old was second last out in the GII Joe Hernandez S.

“He went in :38, between the cones which are set on the outside rail. He seemed to enjoy the turf. He did it within himself and he was feeling good after. I was hoping to take him on the turf again for a gallop maybe Thursday. But he will be going around the dirt track the other days.”

The post Dubai World Cup Horses Out in Force appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Ajuste Fiscal – Uruguay's hope cantered a lap on the dirt track this morning.

Trainer Antonio Cintra, who has been based at Meydan Racecourse with his five-strong Dubai World Cup Carnival team since December, said: “The two horses, Ajuste Fiscal and El Patriota (who runs in the UAE Derby) will continue like this until race day. They both did their last piece of fast work on Tuesday last week and we are very happy with them. Today we went from the 1200m pole (six-furlong), stopped at the 800m (half-mile) pole and just walked back.”

Ajuste Fiscal, Uruguay's 2019 Horse of the Year, is Cintra's first Dubai World Cup runner although the Brazilian handler has previously had runners in the UAE Derby and won the 2006 Al Shindagha Sprint on Super Saturday with Heart Alone.

“He is the first Uruguayan-bred horse to compete in the Dubai World Cup and we had been planning this campaign for him since March 2019,” he said.

Capezzano – The course and distance winner was fourth behind Salute The Soldier in the Al Maktoum Challenge R2 last month. The 2020 Group 3 Firebreak Stakes winner is trained by Salem Bin Ghadayer.

Chuwa Wizard – Chuwa Wizard hit the Meydan dirt track after 5am and cantered lightly to warm-up for tomorrow's final gallop under his regular work rider Kota Kato.

“He is very fresh this morning and is in good condition. Jockey Keita Tosaki will ride tomorrow to breeze,” Kato said.

Gifts Of Gold – Coming off a winning run on grass in the Red Sea Turf Handicap at the Saudi Cup last month, Gifts Of Gold breezed at Godolphin's Al Quoz base last Thursday.

Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, who has won a record nine Dubai World Cups, said: “We are very happy with him, he will canter for the rest of the week and we are just hoping for a good draw now.”

Great Scot – Placed third in the Saudi Cup last month, the Saudi Arabian representative breezed 1000m (five furlongs) on Friday morning at home.

Trainer Abdullah Mishriff reported: “He shipped in from Riyadh yesterday morning, travelled fine and is settling into the quarantine center. We breezed him over five furlongs on Friday morning and we are all very happy with him. Frankie Dettori has said he will have a sit on the horse this week ahead of racing on Saturday.”

Great Scot was hand walked today inside Dubai World Cup Quarantine and will be out on the main track on Tuesday morning.

Hypothetical – The former John Gosden trainee made an impressive debut in Dubai for current handler, Salem Bin Ghadayer, when a three-and-a-half length winner over a mile in January this year. He continued to progress over the season and comes to the Dubai World Cup via a one-and-three-quarter length second behind Salute The Soldier on Super Saturday.

“He's in top form and breezed last Saturday,” said Bin Ghadayer who is based at Fazza Stables. “The Jebel Ali track just didn't suit him (when fourth in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile) but he's doing well back over the 2000m (1 1/4 miles) and proved that on his last run. We are expecting a big run from him.”

Jesus' Team – Shortly after 5am on Monday, 4-year-old Pegasus World Cup Invitational runner-up Jesus' Team took a turn and a half around the Meydan dirt track with his customary draw reins and blinkers applied. Trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo watched from the rail.

“We went to the track with him very early, because I want him to know the lights when we're going to run,” he said. “It will be his first time running under the lights. Jesus did it perfectly. The horse is 100%. He loves Dubai, the weather, the water and the environment. I think he's ready with that last work at Palm Meadows over seven furlongs under his belt.”

Venezuela's 2018 leading trainer, D'Angelo moved his tack to the USA in 2019, saddling his first local runner at Gulfstream Park during the summer of that year. In the spring of 2020, Jesus' Team joined his stable and the pair have clocked up extensive miles ever since. Naturally, they never ventured as far as the UAE.

D'Angelo continued: “With Jesus, I've learned a lot about travelling all over the United States, especially in the truck. Travelling on an airplane is very different, but he arrived well. I liked the experience.”

Magny Cours – The André Fabre-trained Magny Cours arrived in Dubai last Friday after travelling from France via Belgium and the UK. However, despite the long travel, the 6-year-old was in fine form, as confirmed Richard Lambert, the travelling head lad of the French handler.

“He travelled really well and took the trip in his stride,” he said.

Mystic Guide – Godolphin's Mike Stidham-trained Mystic Guide had an easy day on Monday morning, one day after blowing out 600m (three furlongs) down the Meydan stretch. Ridden by jockey William Buick in said gallop, he will instead be piloted by Luis Saez in the big race on Saturday.

Assistant trainer Ben Trask has been in charge of the early Dubai prep of the emblazoned chestnut, a son of multiple Grade 1 winners Ghostzapper and Music Note.

“He just walked and grazed here today,” Trask said. “He came out of the work in great shape.”

Trask, a native of Southington, Ohio, who heads the Tampa Bay Downs (Florida) and Monmouth Park (New Jersey) strings of Stidham, is enjoying his first trip to Dubai and taking the pressure of Mystic Guide's favoritism in stride.

“It's been great to be here,” he said. “I have no complaints.”

Salute The Soldier – Saturday's challenger represents the epitome of international racing having been foaled in Germany, initially campaigned in Britain before transferring to Bahraini Fawzi Nass to be teamed up with Dutch jockey Adrie de Vries.

The 6-year-old Sepoy gelding arrives at the big race having won the traditional Super Saturday dress rehearsal, the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3, having also landed the 1900m Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 on his previous outing. Had the 2020 Dubai World Cup meeting gone ahead, Nass' charge would have been among the main contenders for the Godolphin Mile, now he goes to the big race itself with a live chance.

Nass said: “We are looking forward to it and his season has gone as we had hoped, probably better! He showed last year he handled the Meydan dirt so that was not an issue but we needed to test his stamina.

“The Godolphin Mile was always an option but he has earned his place in the big race and proved he stays. His work has been good and we are very pleased with him so just hope for a reasonable draw.”

Sleepy Eyes Todd – The horse of a lifetime for trainer Miguel Angel Silva, Sleepy Eyes Todd returned to the international quarantine barn in peak order after putting in his final breeze during the second training slot.

Silva said: “He did a two-minute mile and finished the last half a mile very strongly. He went beautifully. I really liked it. Today was the last day of working. From now on, we just wait for the big race.”

A frequent traveler, Sleepy Eyes Todd has already visited a variety of racecourses during his career and rider bookings have also changed with every track.

“He likes to travel,” Silva said. “Alexis Moreno is coming here on Wednesday, he will ride the horse for us on Saturday. (In) nearly every single race, Sleepy Eyes Todd has had a different jockey. We want somebody who knows the horse and how he likes to be ridden. Moreno just won the big race a couple of days ago in Saudi. He's a great jockey.”

Thegreatcollection – Doug Watson's runner has improved throughout the season to earn his place in the big race, winning the Listed Dubai Creek Mile and finishing runner-up in the first two rounds of the Al Maktoum Challenge, then fourth on Super Saturday in the third round over Saturday's 2000m (1 1/4 miles) course and distance.

Watson said: “He has been in great form all season and remains so. He has earned his spot on Saturday and hopefully draws well. They should go quick which will help him and, hopefully, he will be staying on in the straight.”

Title Ready – Charles Fipke's homebred Title Ready continued his preparation with his final pre-race breeze on Monday morning. The Dallas Stewart-trained son of More Than Ready worked 800m (four furlongs) in company with the Doug O'Neill-trained 3-year-old Ambivalent, who goes in the UAE Derby. Assistant trainer Marcelino Jacuinde was on hand.

“We just wanted something easy in 49 or 50 seconds and that's what we got,” Jacuinde said. “We just wanted to get some air and get a feel for the track with him. Pedro Velez was on him, who was here the last two times in Dubai and he rode him last week before we came here.

“I thought he went just the way we wanted,” he continued. “He was nice and easy. We'll walk him tomorrow and come back to the track the next couple days.”

Jacuinde came to Dubai with Stewart's two previous Dubai World Cup runners, Forever Unbridled (fifth, 2018) and Seeking the Soul (eighth, 2019).

The post Dubai World Cup Notes: Favored Mystic Guide Exits Final Blowout ‘In Great Shape’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

A total of 117 horses from 11 countries will compete across a spectacular day of racing worth USD$26.5m that features six Group 1 and three Group 2 contests.

The Group 1 $12m Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline and held over 2000m (1 1/4 miles) welcomes a 14-strong line up headed by the highest-rated Mystic Guide, trained by Michael Stidham in the USA. Mystic Guide is one of three Godolphin-owned runners in the field with the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Gifts of Gold also representing the home team. The third Godolphin runner comes in the shape of Magny Course, the charge of French maestro Andre Fabre who is making his dirt debut in the Dubai World Cup.

Yet the Godolphin runners face stiff competition from a three-strong team of US raiders including the 2021 Pegasus World Cup runner up, Jesus' Team, for trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo and the Miguel Angel Silva-prepared Grade 2 winner Sleepy Eyes Todd. Title Ready winner of January's Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes trained by Dallas Stewart completes the US lineup.

Japanese interests are represented by Grade 1 winner, Chuwa Wizard, who claimed the Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse in December 2020 for trainer Ryuji Okubo, while Uruguay's Ajuste Fiscal lines up for trainer Antonio Cintra. Bahraini handler, Fawzi Nass saddles a first Dubai World Cup runner with Salute The Soldier, whose route to the Dubai World Cup included victory in two out of the three traditional Dubai prep races – the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 over 1900m and the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 over the same 2000m of the Dubai World Cup.

Great Scot, third in The Saudi Cup last month, flies the flag for Saudi Arabia and trainer, Abdullah Mishriff. Local hopes will be pinned on the 2020 Group 3 Firebreak Stakes winner, Capezzano and this season's Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 runner up, Hypothetical from the yard of Salem Bin Ghadayer. Musabbah Al Mheiri saddles the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 winner, Military Law, while Doug Watson is represented by Thegreatcollection.

A stellar renewal of the Group 1 $5m 2410m Longines Dubai Sheema Classic seems certain with Japan's supermare, the multiple Grade 1 winner, Chrono Genesis, trained by Takashi Saito, lining up against dual Group 1 winner and Hong Kong Vase star, Mogul, who represents Irish supremo Aidan O'Brien. The Bill Mott trained four-time Group 1 winner, Channel Maker will be looking to go one better following his runner up spot to True Self in the Neom Turf Cup in February while the John Gosden-trained 2021 Saudi Cup hero, Mishriff is stepping up in trip and making a return to turf.

The 1800m $4m Group 1 Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World features a strong UK contingent, with Lord North winner of the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes from the Gosden yard, Lord Glitters, victor of the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday trained by David O'Meara, the Sir Michael Stoute trained Regal Reality as well as the Simon Crisford-trained pair of Court House and Epic Hero all lining up.

The Group 1 $1.5m 1200m Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News, boasts a multi-national field including the Doug O'Neill trained Wildman Jack winner of the 2020 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint and fellow US-based Group winner, Yaupon trained by Steve Asmussen who seeks redemption following his Breeder's Cup Sprint tilt in November. The Americans will take on Capella Stakes victor, Justin trained by Akira Murayama who renews his rivalry with Copano Kicking and Matera Sky, the winner and runner up respectively in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint three weeks ago. Canvassed winner of the Super Saturday Group 3 prep race, the Mahab Al Shimal for Doug Watson, renews his rivalry with the Ismail Mohammed trained Good Effort who was second by a neck on that occasion.

Elsewhere on the card Japan's Pink Kamehameha, trained by Hideyuki Mori seeks victory in the Group 2 1900m $750,000 UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates NBD having already landed the Saudi equivalent over a mile.

Stablemate France Go De Ina and the Yukihiro Kato trained Takeru Pegasus complete a powerful Japanese Derby challenge while Dubai World Cup Carnival star, El Patriota(URU) prepared by Cintra represents Uruguay.

The Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by AZIZI features Godolphin's Charlie Appleby trained Space Blues, fresh from victory in The Saudi Cup's 1351 Turf Sprint, Dubai World Cup Carnival star Equilateral trained by Charlie Hills and Cowan who was a fast-finishing second in the Saudi Derby and is another prepared by Asmussen.

Testing their staying power in the Group 2 $750,000 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors are the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak-winner Subjectivist, trained by Mark Johnston alongside Group 2 winners, Walderbe, trained by Germany's Ralf Rohne, the Andrew Balding trained Spanish Mission and Red Verdon trained by Ed Dunlop.

The Group 2 $750,000 Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One features 2020 Curlin Stakes winner, Parsimony trained by Doug O'Neill alongside Saudi raider Urban Icon, trained by Saud Saad M Alkahtani, Multiple UAE Champion Trainer, Doug Watson saddles the trio of Midnight Sands, Premier Star and Golden Goal, while Satish Seemar's Zabeel Stables also sends out three including Secret Ambition, Roman Rosso and Tuz. The Salem Bin Ghadayer trained Blown By The Wind lines up alongside Japan's Dieu Du Vin and the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Dubai Mirage.

The Dubai World Cup is being held behind closed doors on Saturday March 27, 2021 and will see a modification to the purse structure meaning that prize money will be paid out to 8th place.

DUBAI WORLD CUP 2021 CURRENT INVITED FIELDS

The post Mystic Guide Headlines Expected Field Of 14 For 2021 Dubai World Cup appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Originally trained by Steve Asmussen to placings in the GII Indiana Derby, GIII Discovery S., and GIII Steve Sexton Mile. S., the 6-year-old Title Ready has been in Stewart's barn for the past year and has since added a Keeneland allowance win as well as a third in the GII Hagyard Fayette S.

“We ran him in the [GI] Breeders' Cup and there wasn't enough pace, so he really ran pretty good that day,” said Stewart. “I probably ran him back a little quick in the [GI] Clark at Churchill, but I think he's good enough for those, so I gave him a little time after that and took him down to the Fair Grounds. Then he won in New Orleans and he looked really good that day. He's just doing great and he looks awesome.”

Like both Forever Unbridled and Seeking the Soul, Title Ready is a homebred for Fipke. The grandson of Broodmare of the Year Personal Ensign (Private Account) marked his first graded stakes success with the Louisiana victory.

“He's training great and is a wonderful horse to have in the barn,” added Stewart, “so I really wanted to give him a shot in this race.”

The post GSW Title Ready Pointed to Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post