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Etched set to make seasonal debut in UAE 2,000 Guineas
by Jason Ford
GODOLPHIN'S Kentucky Derby hope Etched is set to make his seasonal debut on Thursday in a hot-looking contest for the UAE 2,000 Guineas at the Dubai Carnival.
The son of Forestry won both his two-year-old starts for former trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in New York before being shipped to Dubai and joining Saeed Bin Suroor.
Only a 20-1 chance for America's most famous race, Etched is set to face a stern assignment first time out in the 1m dirt race.
His rivals will include the Mike de Kock-trained Honour Devil and Doug Watson's Aquino, first and third in the designated trial three weeks ago.
With only one turf race at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday, a six-race card could well feature less British and Irish interest than usual. However, the Mick Channon-trained Halicarnassus, last seen in the Japan Cup, could make his UAE debut in the 1m2f handicap.
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>> ARGENTINA'S seven-time Grade 1 winner Latency has settled in well in Dubai according to Nestor Chazarreta, the foreman supervising preparations for the World Cup.
Latency has been a regular sight working on the main track at Nad Al Sheba, and a tendency to look around him for the first week was explained by Chazarreta.
“He was looking for his pony,” he said. “He has been ponied throughout his racing career at home but quarantine protocol does not allow us to bring his pony. It took him a few days to realise the pony was not with him, that was all. He has settled down now as you can see.
“Everything is on track,” added Chazarreta. “The third round of the Maktoum Challenge on Super Thursday remains his target, then the World Cup. We are carrying the hopes of a nation and we believe this is the horse to do it. He really is a superstar and knows it.”
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