DWC 2015 Trackwork Notes - Wednesday, March 25
Group 1 US $1m Dubai Kahayla Classic empowered by IPIC – 2000m (Dirt)
Versac PY (FR) – Wore blinkers for the first time in his work with five others on the dirt main track on Wednesday.
Trainer Erwan Charpy explained that although the horse had won at 2000m, he was inclined to pull hard in his races and he thought the headgear would help him to settle down.
As for the PY on his name, Charpy said they were the initials of his breeder.
Bigg N Rich (USA) – He is trained in Abu Dhabi by Frenchman Eric Lemartinel, who said: “This morning he cantered twice over 1200m and tomorrow he will go a bit faster over 1000m. Everything is going well and I’m happy with him.”
Djainka Des Forges (FR) and Taraf (FR) – Djainka Des Forges and Taraf are both trained by Julian Smart in Qatar. Both horses came out very early on Wednesday morning onto the main training track at Meydan and their trainer said: “They didn’t do very much this morning.
Djainka Des Forges, who is a bit of a nervy kind of horse, was reacquainting herself with the surroundings, while Taraf was discovering the track. They might do some faster work tomorrow. I’m happy with them so far.”
Valiant Boy (FR) – America’s star purebred Arabian has pleased trainer Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Merryman with his adaptation to Meydan.
“I think he’s settled in really well and he had a nice breeze on Monday. Now we’ll have to see how he shapes up on the world stage,” Merryman said.
Exercise rider Ali Rawles reported that Valiant Boy handled the Meydan dirt track. “He liked it just fine,” added Merryman, who did not plan any more significant work for the rest of the week.
Valiant Boy is a prime nominee for the 2014 Darley Horse of the Year Award as America’s best purebred Arabian racehorse, an honour he also earned in 2012.
Group 2 US$1m Godolphin Mile sponsored by Meydan Sobha – 1600m (Dirt)
Bradester (USA) – Multiple graded stakes winner Bradester once again galloped 2400m on the Meydan dirt track, following a pattern utilised by exercise rider Julie Stormfelt over the past two days.
“He’s doing great. Everything is good,” Stormfelft said after the exercise on Wednesday.
Trainer Eddie Kenneally is expected to travel to Dubai to saddle the five-year-old horse. Kenneally will be seeking his second trophy from a Dubai World Cup night event, following the victory by Kelly’s Landing in the 2007 Dubai Golden Shaheen.
Dark Emerald (IRE) – “I let him have a blow up the straight this morning (on the all-weather training track),” trainer Brendan Powell said.
“He’s been on the dirt for three and a half weeks and he’s been training great. I’m not going to be bothered if the going is heavy or firm and all I want is for him to get out of the gate and be handy (but) whatever he does, he’s already done us proud.”
Gold City (IRE) and Surfer (USA) – Trainer Satish Seemar reported that his Godolphin Mile runners are doing well as the day approaches. He sent both out for a trot and a hack canter at his Zabeel Stables base on Wednesday morning.
Graphic (Ire) – Back to winning form in a conditions race over Wolverhampton’s Polytrack surface early last month, the six-year-old has continued to please connections in advance of his first outing outside Europe.
For the second day running he completed a steady canter over slightly less than the full circuit of the main all-weather track. Trainer William Haggas’ travelling head groom ‘Bizzy’ Budden reported: “It’s all good so far.”
Layl (USA) – “I was sick to my stomach when I saw the post (14),” trainer Doug Watson said. “We’ll just let the speed go forward. Tamarkuz drew the rail, but if he breaks tardy, which he is prone to do, with that kind of money on the line, maybe they won’t give him an easy forward go on the rail.
“He (Layl) will face the kickback, so that’s a plus. We hope to be in the money, but we know that he’s a progressive horse who has a chance to be even better next year.”
Quadrivium (USA) – Quadrivium made his first and probably only appearance on the main Meydan track on Thursday morning, getting a little gate schooling before taking a spin around the oval.
“He seemed to handle the course fine,” said trainer Graham Motion before discussing the draw for the son of Henrythenavigator. “I guess the three is helpful because they have a little bend here (pointing to where the 1600m chute meets the course proper) but I think I would rather be a little more outside.
“We had planned to bring this horse over as a companion to (Dubai Sheema Classic contender) Main Sequence. I’m glad we were able to get in but I have to admit the race came up a bit tougher than I thought.”
Sloane Avenue (USA) – After three wins on all-weather surfaces in England from five starts as a three-year-old, Sloane Avenue has been gradually introduced to the Meydan dirt that he will encounter in a race for the first time on Saturday.
He made his second appearance on the main track on Wednesday and again pleased trainer Jeremy Noseda’s experienced travelling groom and word rider David Bradley, who reported: “He cantered a circuit, travelling half a stride faster than on Tuesday, and everything’s fine.”
Group 2 US$1m Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors – 3200m (Turf)
Bathyrhon (GER) – Prix du Cadran runner-up Bathyrhon, trained by Pia Brandt, followed fellow French-trained Flintshire onto the main track at Meydan on Wednesday morning.
He cantered over 1400m and the trainer’s husband Joakim Brandt said:
“He is really well. He feels good and now we are just waiting for Saturday. My wife is arriving tonight, so she will be here at the track on Thursday morning.”
Brown Panther (GB) – Preparing for the opening race of what will be his last season’s racing, the ten-time winner from 25 starts, including the Group 1 Irish St Leger, experienced the main track for the first time. With regular work partner Chris Ely in the saddle, he completed a steady canter round the full turf facility.
Trainer Tom Dascombe, who planned to take his stable star for his regular afternoon swimming exercise, said: “He can be a little keen but we got a pony to canter with him and he was as good as gold. He’ll have a slightly stiffer breeze on Thursday.”
Cooptado (ARG), Meandre (FR) – “He’s a funny Argentine horse,” trainer Doug Watson said of Cooptado.
“He’s very talented but a bit of a head case. On Super Saturday, Pat Dobbs had him on one rein trying to keep him on the rail while on the lead and by the time they straightened away, others had a run on him.
“He fought back well to only be beaten three lengths. He’ll be equipped with a shadow roll and ring bit on Saturday. We’re still learning what he does best, but we do think he’ll stay all day. We’re hoping it all comes together on the night.”
Watson said of Meandre: “After running a close seventh in the Dubai Sheema Classic last year, we thought the Dubai Gold Cup might have actually suited him better, so that’s what we pointed to.
“He did well in his training this summer, so we had high hopes for the Dubai World Cup Carnival.
“It’s been a bit disappointing so far, but not without excuses. With three days of high wind the turf was very firm for the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (on February 28) and it was just a weird night of racing. He ran fifth but I’m willing to toss it out completely. We expect better on Saturday night.”
Group 2 US$2m UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group – 1900m (Dirt)
Dear Domus (JPN) – Dear Domus galloped 1400m of the dirt track and jockey Kosei Miura said: “He galloped at home before he flew in, so I did not require a lot from him today, just confirming how his mood was.
“It is my first experience to be here. The surface on the dirt here is different from what we have in Japan and it seems to need more speed as well. But I think the horse is handling the surface. I cannot say until he races but I am happy with his condition and performance today.”
Faithful Creek (IRE) – Although the three-year-old cleared quarantine on Tuesday, he was confined to walking in the international barn complex by his trainer, Brian Meehan.
"He will step onto the main track tomorrow but only to walk down to the paddock," Meehan said.
"He worked very well before he came out here and is fresh and very bright. This is his level after his good run in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, and while we don't know for sure how he will cope with the dirt, I'm expecting him to run well."
Golden Barows (JPN) – Noriyuki Hori’s representative galloped from the 1000m pole and was asked to drive strongly in the stretch before he got familiarised with the starting gate.
The assistant trainer, Kazutomo Mori, said, “He could change leads smoothly. He has more spirit and stretched out strongly at the end.
“He is not good at the starting gate. He had a practice but he was a bit irritated and not relaxed when standing in the gate, but once the gate opened, he jumped much better than he always did at home, which was good. He will have an easy jog to relax and stretch his legs in the trotting ring tomorrow.”
My Johnny Be Good (USA) – “He just had a little light exercising this morning. Just cantering,” said trainer Eoin Harty.
“We’ll gallop him tomorrow. He seemed real happy; really on the muscle as he was galloping.”
Having drawn post eight in the field for the 1900m race and having had a chance to better assess the competition, Harty noted: “The Japanese horses are really nice.
“I hadn’t really taken them into consideration and maybe I should have. I don’t have a great post position having drawn toward the outside so we’ll have to try to save some ground somewhere.”
Tap That (JPN) – Galloped 1000m on the dirt track under assistant trainer Yuya Shiotsu.
Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said, “He took his bit and showed more acceleration at 400m pole in the stretch.
“Even after he passed the finish line, he was not stiff and could release the reins. I heard from the staff that he was a bit tense with the new surroundings. However, he has been getting used to it and calmed down, which was a good thing for him to bring the better performance.
“He will walk around the paddock and saddling area to get familiarised with. The draw in stall six is ideal.”
Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint empowered by IPIC – 1000m (Turf)
Amber Sky (AUS) – Trainer Ricky You said: “All normal. He cantered on the dirt.”
Bundle Of Joy (AUS) – Trainer David Hall said: “The plan was to keep him in the quarantine area for a few days and that’s what’s happened. I’m very happy with him. He’ll go to the main track at Meydan tomorrow morning for a piece of work.”
Caspar Netscher (GB) - The six-year-old stepped up a gear on the main dirt track when he blew out over the last 400m to complete his programme of strong work ahead of Saturday's race.
"The horse seems in good order and he did all we wanted of him," said his trainer, David Simcock. "It's just a question now of keeping him ticking over. We're very happy with the way he is coming into the race."
Caspian Prince (IRE) – Trainer Tony Carroll said: “All of his work has been done and he is in terrific form. His only blip is when he ran on dirt but his form is very good and he is a very fast horse. He will go off in front again on Saturday and the fast ground will suit him.”
Distinctiv Passion (USA) – After visiting the all-weather training track the last few days, the American contender galloped over the main track and visited the starting gate on Wednesday morning.
“Everything went well this morning and he’s had a good week,” said trainer Jeff Bonde, who has just arrived from his California base.
Bonde, who will be competing on Dubai World Cup night for the first time, exudes confidence when speaking of Saturday’s run.
“My horse has pure natural speed and he makes his own music,” Bonde said. “I can’t judge horses from other continents, but in our part of the world our horse is as fast as there is.”
Jockey Edwin Maldonado, who has ridden the five-year-old in most of his career, will be back aboard on Saturday.
Farmah (USA) – The François Rohaut-trained Farmah looked very relaxed when she came onto the main track at Meydan on Wednesday morning. Ridden as usual by Doric Binot, she went a bit quicker than Tuesday, finishing well over the last 200m.
Her rider confirmed: “We went a good gallop and quickened over the final 200m. It was just to open her lungs and everything went as I had hoped for. I am happy with her. Her trainer will arrive tomorrow.”
Green Mask (USA) – Trainer Wesley Ward is en route to Dubai from Miami and is expected to arrive today.
Ward is travelling with his eldest son Riley, noting: “He’s been my good luck charm. He goes on all these trips with me. He’s been with me to France twice as well as Royal Ascot.”
As far as the horse, Ward said: “He’ll jog up to the race from here. If he’s not ready by now, he’s not going to be ready. I’ve lined up Frankie Dettori to ride.”
Hototo (GB) – Fawzi Nass galloped Hototo with stablemate Krypton Factor over 900m on the dirt surface on Monday and will now trot and swim in preparation for Saturday. “He lost his condition last year but he has been training well this time and I have been happy with his preparation,” said Nass.
Lancelot Du Lac (Ity) - Having visited the turf on Tuesday, the consistent sprinter returned to the all-weather training track and covered 1400m under the British apprentice Paul Booth.
"We just went steady to make sure he was well after Tuesday's workout," Booth said. "He has been here since the first week of January, so he is well acclimatised.
"He has run well at Meydan, including when fourth on his last start.
“That was better than it looked because he was drawn away from the pace. We're obviously hoping that doesn't happen again on Saturday."
Peniaphobia (IRE) – Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He worked on the turf and went really well. Things are going according to our expectations. I feel he will run a big race.”
Sir Maximilian (Ire) – The last-time-out course winner continued his smooth progress towards a sixth outing in Dubai since the turn of the year with a repeat of Tuesday’s steady canter over 1200m of the training track all-weather surface.
With trainer Ian Williams arriving from England on Wednesday morning, travelling groom and work rider Dawn Oxley has been supervising his preparation and she reported: “He did his last piece of major work on Sunday, and did it well. Now it’s just a matter of keeping him up to the mark.”
Sole Power (GB) – Sole Power went onto the grass track at Meydan on Wednesday morning. He made a very good impression as he breezed up the straight and his trainer Eddie Lynam said: “Everything went well. We just jogged him to the 1000m mark and then cantered up the track.
“He only stretched over the final 400m and we are very happy with him. He will stay in the quarantine yard tomorrow and then will come back onto the training track on Friday morning.”
Stepper Point (GB) – With big-race rider Martin Dwyer in the saddle, the September conqueror of Sir Maximilian completed one and a half laps of the training track’s all-weather circuit in steady fashion.
Trainer William Muir, who is relishing the prospect of saddling his first runner in Dubai, said: “He’s a typical sprinter and has got his characteristics, but he walked down from the stables as if he owned the place.
We’re not overdoing things with him, because we don’t want to undo all the good work we did at home.”
Group 1 US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News – 1200m (Dirt)
Big Macher (USA) – The Grade 1 winning sprinter jogged 1200m and galloped 1800m over the Meydan dirt track in the pre-dawn darkness on Wednesday and then visited the starting gate.
Trainer Richard Baltas watched the five-year-old stand in the gate, back out and then stand again, and he will probably repeat that drill on Thursday morning.
“He’s always been a bad gate horse and I want to be sure he gets a good break,” Baltas said.
“He stumbled a bit coming out of the gate in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and it cost him the race.”
After the stumble, Big Macher trailed the field in the 14-horse Breeders’ Cup Sprint and could advance only to ninth at the finish. Typically, he races close to or on the pace, as he did when winning the Bing Crosby Stakes over 1200m at Del Mar last year.
Cool Cowboy (USA) – “I’ve never run a horse off a layoff off just four pieces of work, so we knew going in into the Mahab Al Shimaal that he would likely be a bit short,” said trainer Doug Watson.
“He gave us a bit of a thrill, but finished fourth. He wasn’t blowing hard after the race, he just got a little bit leg weary. We expect him to move forward, but we worry about the speed of the American horses in the race.”
Krypton Factor (GB) –The 2013 winner of this race will trot and swim in the final few days before race night after working on the dirt track on Monday morning.
“He isn’t as good as he used to be but if runs like he did on his first start back here then he will go well,” said trainer Fawzi Nass.
Lucky Nine (IRE) – Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “He was out on the main dirt track for the first time. Very happy with him.”
Rich Tapestry (IRE) – Trainer Michael Chang said: “Vincent Sit who is riding him in the mornings reported that he is much better than when he arrived on Sunday. He was happy out on the big track today. I am sure he will run a good race on Sunday.”
Salutos Amigos (USA) – One day after indicating that his contender would blow out 600m on Wednesday morning, trainer David Jacobson decided to give the Salutos Amigos “the day off”.
Secret Circle (USA) – Arriving at the Meydan dirt track around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Secret Circle jogged strongly under exercise rider and assistant trainer Dana Barnes, who reported that the six-year-old is feeling extremely good as race day nears.
“He’s a monster,” Barnes said, adding that Secret Circle has been moving more powerfully than he typically does in his morning exercise. “He literally dragged me around and then all the way back home (to the quarantine barn).”
Secret Circle has some powerful connections when it comes to Dubai racing. His trainer, Bob Baffert, saddled Dubai World Cup winners Silver Charm and Captain Steve, and one of his co-owners, Mike Pegram, campaigned Captain Steve.
Speed Hawk (USA) – Twice placed at Group 3 level during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the Robert Cowell-trained four-year-old again exercised on the training track Wednesday.
“He is fine, it’s been very straight-forward with him and he is well,” said Cowell.
“He has done three easy bits of work since Super Saturday and he certainly won’t have left his race on the training track. He worked yesterday on the all-weather and will then canter on Friday and we will be ready to go.”
Super Jockey (NZ) – Bev Millard, wife of trainer Tony, said: “I rode him in a nice canter early this morning. He’s in good shape. We are hoping for a good draw.”
Group I US$6m Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World – 1800m (Turf)
Cladocera (GER) – The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained Cladocera did not change her training routine at Meydan on Tuesday morning, when she cantered over 1200m following a warm-up jog in front of the stands.
Her travelling head lad Antoine Creton said: “The preparation in view of the races on Saturday is following its course and we were happy with the way things went this morning. She seems well.”
Euro Charline (GB) –The four-year-old filly, trained in England by Marco Botti, cleared quarantine and strode out over the turf track under Italian rider Paulo Sirigu.
"She did a steady canter over 1600m and enjoyed herself," said Botti's wife, Lucie. "She seems to have travelled well and is drinking lots of water, so we are happy."
Mrs Botti is unconcerned that Euro Charline has not run since she won the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington in Chicago back in August.
"She had a trial at Chelmsford racecourse two weeks ago and she's a pretty straightforward filly. It shouldn't be an issue," she said.
Farraaj (IRE) – Farraaj will be having his first start for Dhruba Selvaratnam.
“He is a nice horse,” said Selvaratnam. “Obviously it is a tough race but he has form at a good level and has pleased us since arriving.”
Limario (GER) – The Doug Watson-trained Limario galloped at Meydan on Monday. “We took him over to Meydan for his final piece of work on the turf. He worked nicely along with Meandre (Dubai Gold Cup).”
Mshawish (USA) – The American raider Mshawish, who represents Qatar’s Al Shaqab Racing, took to the Meydan dirt course shortly after sunrise on Tuesday morning under the watchful eye of assistant trainer Ginny Depasquale as well as Bradley Weisbord, US advisor for the ownership group. Both were happy with the exercise.
The son of Medaglia d’Oro has won his last three starts in the US, stepping up in class with each victory.
Solow (GB) – French trainer Freddy Head had arrived on Tuesday morning to oversee Solow’s morning track work.
As usual, the grey came onto the main track a Meydan with his fellow French trained Dolniya and Cladocera. He cantered over 1400m, but went a bit slower than Monday morning, and Freddy Head said: “He seems well. He was nice and relaxed and we are hoping for a good run on Saturday.”
The Grey Gatsby (IRE) – The Kevin Ryan-trained four-year-old is by some way the highest-rated horse in this race. However, having cleared quarantine, the son of Mastercraftsman worked on the training track.
Trade Storm (GB) – The six-year-old completed his preparation when he strode out over the turf track in company with his stablemate Sheikhzayedroad, who runs in the Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines. He completed 1300m, during which the tempo increasing markedly down the home straight.
"It was just what he wanted," said trainer David Simcock. "He had a decent blowout, his rider was happy and we are one day closer to the race."
Umgiyo (AUS) – Mike De Kock saddles Umgiyo, the mount of Johnny Geroudis. “I rode him the last time when he was staying on nicely,” said Geroudis. ”Hopefully he can build on that and Mike is delighted with him.”
Group 1 US$6m Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines – 2410m (Turf)
Designs on Rome (IRE) – Trainer John Moore said: “He just cantered around the turf for his work rider. He loves it here. He’s very settled and he looks great. Joao Moreira will ride him work tomorrow.”
Dolniya (FR) – Dolniya, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, looks a stronger filly than last year and seems to have taken well to her surroundings.
After a warm up jog half way around the main training track, she cantered over 1400m and Antoine Creton, travelling head lad, said: “Dolniya continues her preparation as planned and seems in very good form. All we can do now is wait for the race on Saturday.”
Flintshire (GB) – Flintshire, who was ridden by regular work rider Annelie Ackermann, cantered on the main track at Meydan on Wednesday morning.
Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Andre Fabre yard, said: “He is now doing the same exercise every morning until the race on Saturday. He is well and fit and cantered over about 1400m, which he will do again tomorrow and on Friday.”
Harp Star (JPN) – The Japanese 1000 Guineas winner Harp Star was working steady on the Meydan dirt track.
Trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda said: “She drove strongly in the stretch this morning, which was her routine galloping style. I am happy with her showing the strong stretch run. There is no hitch. Ryan Moore will be on to work her on the turf track tomorrow.”
Just the Judge (GB) – The Charlie Hills trained Just The Judge continued her preparations with a light canter on the main turf track on Wednesday morning. Her trainer arrived in Dubai today and reported everything to be well with his filly.
"She travelled well and didn't lose much weight on the journey, which is good. She just had a quiet morning on the track, and she'll have another quiet day tomorrow," said the trainer." I am looking forward to running her over this trip, I think she will be suited by stepping up in distance.”
Just The Judge has never in 14 career starts run beyond 2000m.
Main Sequence (USA) – The top-rated US turf horse and winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2014, Main Sequence made his first and likely only appearance on the main Meydan track on Thursday morning.
The six-year-old son of Aldebaran stood in the starting gate, as did his stablemate Quadrivium (Godolphin Mile) before going once around the oval.
“Main Sequence was a little antsy, but that’s him,” Motion noted and then said of Wednesday’s upcoming draw. “I’d like four or nine, then he’s the last one in (the gate.)
“He’ll train tomorrow and Friday on the training track,” he added. “He’s used to training on Tapeta back home so I thought we’d stick with it.
Motion, who saddled 2013 Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom, knows what it takes to get a horse ready for Dubai World Cup night and he did note one place where Main Sequence excels: “He’s done one thing Animal Kingdom didn’t and that’s string a bunch of wins together.”
One and Only (JPN) – With the jockey Cristian Demuro getting abroad, he started galloping at the 1000m pole and drove strongly in the stretch on the Meydan turf track.
Trainer Kojiro Hashiguchi said: “He showed a strong run with the big strides in the stretch.
“He has a great mood and I am very happy with his good form. I am going to give him a schooling with the starting gate tomorrow morning as the gate is different from what we have in Japan. I will walk him around the quarantine stable area to relax him tomorrow morning.”
Demuro said: “It was my first ride on him this morning and he ran very nicely. I drove him strongly in the last 200m and had a good feeling from him.
He is in a very good condition. Of the turf at Meydan, because they take care of the surface well, it is in good condition and well-watered.
“I thought he ran very comfortably this morning so he likes the course.”
Sheikhzayedroad (GB) - Having blown out over 1300m on the turf on Tuesday, the consistent six-year-old was back in routine mode when completing one circuit of the main dirt track.
His trainer, David Simcock, was pleased with the way Mohammed Jaber's horse rebounded from Tuesday's work. "He did a quiet canter and showed he had taken his spin on the grass well," Simcock said.
The Newmarket-based trainer would like to see the race run at a strong pace.
"That would suit us, although I can't see where that will come from," he said.
"But the horses are good enough that I'm hoping something will go on. I'm hoping they will start be racing hard early enough for it not affect his chance.”
Group 1 US$10m Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates – 2000m (dirt)
California Chrome (USA) – According to trainer Art Sherman, Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates contender California Chrome came out of Tuesday’s 800m breeze in good order.
“He ate up everything last night and walked for 45 minutes this morning,” Sherman said. “The pressure is off today. He will go back to the track at 5 a.m. tomorrow. It’s nice and cool then.”
Sherman believes his horse will put himself into the race regardless of the gate he springs from.
“We’d like to be outside, but I’ve heard that the rail is good here (Meydan main track),” Sherman said. “Our perfect trip has been to sit up close on the outside with a target in front of us."
Although he has won three times on synthetic and once on turf, California Chrome’s Dubai World Cup presence was somewhat inspired by Meydan’s return to dirt.
“I don't know if we would have come if it were the old (all-weather),” Sherman said. “He likes a firm dirt track and to hear his feet rattle a little bit, and don't forget a $10 million purse has a nice ring to it.”
Candy Boy (USA) – Candy Boy will be making his first start under the care of trainer Doug Watson and galloped 2000m over a fast Meydan oval on Wednesday.
“He hasn’t raced since the Breeders’ Cup (sixth behind Bayern) but we’ve gotten him very fit in his work and he’s thriving,” Watson said.
Although Candy Boy has run from off the pace in the majority of his starts, Watson believes him capable of racing closer in the early stages on Saturday.
“I watched his American replays with Pat (jockey Dobbs) and he ran a little bit forward in some of his races,” Watson said.
“We agreed we’re going to push a little forward and take our chances. We’re not going to take back, that’s for sure. He’s a big horse and the wide sweeping turns of this course should work in his favour.”
Epiphaneia (JPN) – The horse galloped on the dirt track this morning.
Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii said: “After he flew into Dubai and arrived here, he was too fresh, however the days go by, he is getting used to the new surroundings here and is in a good condition so far.
“The reason why we decided to send him to the race over the 2000m instead of 2400m is because he is a type of horse who takes the bit and is keen to go faster, and instead of choosing the race where the pace would be slower, the 2000m where the American horses would pick up the pace will be much more suitable for him.”
“By touching the dirt itself, my impression is the surface is different from what they have in the US, but it seems to require both speed and power. I think he is gradually getting used to the new surfaces. Tomorrow he will school in the paddock ring.”
Hokko Tarumae (JPN) – Hokko Tarumae galloped half-speed, covering the final 200m in 12.8 seconds on the dirt track this morning.
Trainer Katsuichi Nishiura said: “The fractional time is just a reference anyway, he was galloping powerfully and very flexibly. I think he has more passion and looks like he wants to run. He is in a great mood. I feel he is very relaxed and fresh.
“He had colic and was very sick after last year’s race, he was forced to stay here longer than other Japanese contenders before he returned to Japan.
“But all the support from Dubai Racing Club, Sheikh Mohammed and the treatment at the Godolphin hospital, he could recover from the sickness and bounced back to his form.
It is an honour to be coming back here again. To prove his high-class performance to the world, I would like to win the race.”
Lea (USA) – Under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who arrived in the UAE the previous evening, Lea galloped twice around the Meydan oval on Wednesday morning.
“He will have another easy day tomorrow and probably have a little blowout on Friday morning,” Mott said. “Nothing serious. Just to let him stretch his legs and get over the track. The next day will be race day.”
Mott’s win in the inaugural Dubai World Cup with the legendary Cigar is well documented, but his champion mare Royal Delta disappointed in recent editions of the race.
She was ninth in 2012 and tenth in 2013, but both of those were contested over a synthetic all-weather surface.
“We are certainly here (with Lea) because the race is back on dirt and our horse has done his best running on the dirt,” Mott said.
“Just from what I can tell from looking at the surface this morning, it looks very good. I walked across it and it looks like our horse handles it well, which is the most important thing.”
Mott is very familiar with the qualifications of the likely international race favourite California Chrome, but admits there are some unknowns entering Saturday’s race.
“We're going to give it our best,” Mott said. He (California Chrome) is a very good horse who of course was (US) Horse of the Year, which is the biggest prize you can get I suppose.
He's well thought of but we like our horse as well. I don't know a lot about the Japanese horses. We have nothing to compare them to.”
Side Glance (GB) – Andrew Balding’s globetrotting eight-year-old, last seen finishing fourth in the Cox Plate, again worked on the training track Wednesday morning and will complete his preparation with an outing on the dirt track on Thursday.
“He had a canter round this morning and will head out to the main track on Thursday,” said Balding.
“He has been fourth the last two years and his holding his form well – his run in Australia was almost a career best. He has been away to gallop twice in the UK and will be in an eye-shield and half-cut blinkers on Saturday to help him on the dirt.”
