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Originally Posted by ArlJim78
hey FMC,
what do you think of Bartola in the Derby?
I thought his Argentinian form was at least as good as Asiatic Boy's, probably better.
Not much has been said about him.
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HER!
From a UAE press release, a few days ago...
Bartola flies flag for Argentina
(no author listed)
Prominent Argentine conditioner Juan Carlos Maldotti figures Argentine stayer Bartola to have no problems shortening back in distance when she tackles the boys in the March 31st US$2 million UAE Derby (Gr.2), sponsored by Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group.
�She has already won the Beazley at 1,800 metres and also won at one-mile, I think she can drop down in distance without a problem,� said Maldotti.
Bartola was bought by Saudi Arabian Prince Tirki Bin Badr Bin Saoud after a smashing nine-length victory against fillies in the 2,500-metre (about 12.5 furlongs) Group 1 Gran Premio Criadores on the Palermo dirt course on March 3.
Maldotti, a three-time winner of South America�s prestigious Group 1 Carlos Pellegrini and 13 straight training titles in Argentina, continued: �When Bartola was sold, the buyer inquired if I was willing to continue training the filly.
�It will be very hard, but the challenge is well worth it, and it is a unique opportunity. I arranged a few things which the owner accepted, such as using (Pablo) Falero as the jockey, and also the filly�s groom.�
Trainer Maldotti is due to arrive in Dubai on Tuesday night and has planned a Thursday workout for Bartola, who remained in training in Argentina prior to shipping out on March 19.
�The idea is to breeze her on Thursday and wait for Pablo�s opinion - who better than him to tell us how she is doing?� said Maldotti.
Maldotti is well familiar with several of Bartola`s main Derby rivals, adding: �The medium for me is a new world, I know that the participants are among the best in the world.
�As far as her rivals, I�m off course familiar with Asiatic Boy, who is having a very good campaign there and Joe Louis is a good horse. Additionally the Brazilian colt who won the Nacional (Argentine Derby) [Eu Tambem] will be there.
�I know it will be a very difficult task, but she is a grand filly and if she doesn�t show it now, she will soon demonstrate her quality. The new owners made a very good buy.�