Assorted stuff from DRC.....
Massive Drama arrives in Dubai with gusto
Massive Drama was in high spirits this morning (copyright Michele MacDonald)
Living up to his name, UAE Derby (Gr.2, sponsored by Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group) contender Massive Drama made quite an entrance into the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse quarantine area after arriving on Wednesday night following a flight from Florida to Dubai.
“He actually got to the stable and bucked and squealed,” said Henrietta Steele, an assistant to trainer Dale Romans. “He was very naughty.”
Yet that kind of energy showed that the three-year-old son of Kafwain was anything but drained from the trip. And on Saturday, when released from quarantine for his first exercise, Massive Drama jogged eagerly on the main Nad Al Sheba track.
Ridden by Tom Finn, who is in Dubai to help prepare Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr.1) entrant Better Talk Now, Massive Drama appeared to relish being out in the cool desert air.
Steele said she planned to report in to Romans later in the day and confer about what kind of additional exercise Massive Drama should have in the week before the biggest race of his life to date.
Owned by Egyptian-born businessman Ahmed Zayat, Massive Drama is aiming to become the first American-based horse to win the US$2 million UAE Derby.
Formerly trained by two-time Dubai World Cup (Gr.1)-winning trainer Bob Baffert, Massive Drama recently was transferred to Romans, who saddled 2005 Dubai World Cup winner Roses in May, and will be making his first start for his new trainer in the UAE Derby.
Idiot Proof set for major Golden Shaheen effort
As Robert Sise sees it, Grade 1 winner Idiot Proof has been training so well that he is ready for a big performance in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr.1), sponsored by Gulf News.
But how big?
“Hopefully, it will be a winning effort,” said Sise, an assistant to his father, Clifford Sise, who conditions Martin and Pam Wygod’s homebred son of Benchmark.
Idiot Proof handled the trip from California to Dubai “great,” said Robert Sise, who has been working with his father for nine years.
In his first appearance at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the four-year-old colt “got a little hot walking over” from the barn on Saturday morning but then “galloped well” under jockey Iggy Puglisi, Sise reported.
On Sunday morning, Idiot Proof is slated to breeze five furlongs (about 1,000 meters), he said.
Second and third in two starts this year, Idiot Proof established track records for six furlongs (about 1,200 meters, the same distance as the Dubai Golden Shaheen) at Santa Anita Park and Monmouth Park last year of 1:07.57 and 1:07.47, respectively.
After flashing such blazing speed on both coasts of America, it is clear that Idiot Proof has the talent to win the Dubai Golden Shaheen. But, as with all American starters, “it depends on how he handles the straightaway,” Sise said.
Unlike sprints in America, which generally are run around one turn, the Dubai Golden Shaheen is a straight shot out of a chute down the stretch at Nad Al Sheba.
In 11 career starts, Idiot Proof has won five times and placed five times while earning US$863,204.
Veteran Better Talk Now ‘grand’ after journey
Better Talk Now is one the most experienced horses running at the Dubai World Cup Meeting (copyright Adam Coglianese)
His advanced age may actually help multiple American Grade 1 winner Better Talk Now in some areas—and handling stress could be one of them.
Tom Finn, an assistant to trainer Graham Motion, said Saturday that the nine-year-old Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr.1, sponsored by Nakheel) entrant endured the long trip from Florida to Dubai in fine form.
In his first exercise since the journey, Better Talk Now jogged six furlongs (about 1,200 meters) and galloped a mile (about 1,600 meters) on Saturday morning with alacrity at the Nad Al Sheba training track.
“We’re very pleased with how he is at the moment—he’s grand,” Finn said. “It looked like he travelled well, and I was with him myself. He’s drinking plenty of water, and that’s the most important thing.”
Better Talk Now is one of the most accomplished horses on the Dubai World Cup (Gr.1) program with five Grade 1 victories to his credit, including the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Turf (Gr.1), and earnings of US$4,054,288.
Exercise rider Fenella O’Flynn was aboard for Saturday’s easy training track drill. Motion is due to arrive in Dubai on Tuesday.
A.P. Arrow bouncing before Dubai World Cup
AP Arrow carries the colours of the inaugural Dubai World Cup winner Cigar, and bids to follow in his footsteps a week today (copyright Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer)
Last year, leading American trainer Todd Pletcher brought five horses for the Dubai World Cup (Gr.1) program, and exercise rider Eddie King remembers that they were “all pooped” after the grueling plane ride from the United States.
This year, Pletcher has only one contender, but that horse—six-year-old Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates) entrant A. P. Arrow—seems to be “happy to be here in Dubai,” King said.
“He’s very rambunctious right now,” he added. “He feels real good.”
King guided the six-year-old son of A.P. Indy to the Nad Al Sheba training track on Saturday morning for his first exercise since the flight and they jogged a mile (about 1,600 meters) and galloped 1 ¼ miles (about 2,000 meters).
A very consistent runner, A. P. Arrow has won or placed in 16 of 22 starts and has earned US$1,128,290. He is coming off one of the best performances of his life, an onrushing second in the Donn Handicap (Gr.1), which has produced more Dubai World Cup winners than any other American prep race.
In his most recent race before the Donn, A. P. Arrow won the Clark Handicap (Gr.2) at Churchill Downs.
A. P. Arrow carries the same silks as inaugural Dubai World Cup winner Cigar, having been bred by and campaigned by the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust.
Stronger Well Armed primed for World Cup
Well Armed returned to the Nad Al Sheba track on Saturday morning (copyright Michele MacDonald)
With muscles bulging under his gleaming bay coat, Dubai World Cup (Gr.1), sponsored by Emirates, contender Well Armed strode back on to the Nad Al Sheba track for the first time in about two years on Saturday, looking much different than when he left.
One observer who saw the gelding when he was a three-year-old winner during the 2006 Dubai International Racing Carnival could not believe the change, noting how much stronger the son of Tiznow seems as the biggest race of his life approaches.
The WinStar Farm homebred—who emerged from the 2006 UAE Derby (Gr.2) with a fractured pelvis—handled the long return trip to Dubai from his California base well and appeared to be feeling right at home while jogging and cantering in his first exercise since the flight.
“He shipped better than we did. He drank his water and ate his hay. It’s almost like he knew where he was going,” said Jake Vinci, assistant to trainer Eoin Harty.
Previously trained by Clive Brittain, Well Armed was away from the races for about 19 months following his UAE Derby injury, spending much of that time recuperating at WinStar Farm near Versailles, Kentucky.
After being sent to Harty, he blossomed, winning his second start back in November over 1 1/8 miles (about 1,800 meters) at Hollywood Park then finishing second in the San Pasqual Handicap (Gr.2) in January at Santa Anita Park.
Well Armed earned his ticket to Dubai by defeating eventual Santa Anita Handicap (Gr.1) winner Heatseeker with a front-running effort in the 1 1/8-mile San Antonio Handicap (Gr.2) on February 9 at Santa Anita.
Although Vinci noted that the quality of horses in the Dubai World Cup, including American Horse of the Year Curlin, makes the race very tough, he suggested that Well Armed’s speed could make him a strong challenger.
“If he can get on the front and he’s a length or two on the lead, he’s hard to beat,” Vinci said.
After joining Harty in 2001 when the trainer oversaw Godolphin’s American juvenile program, Vinci helped cultivate American champion juvenile filly Tempera and eventual UAE Derby (Gr.2) winner Essence of Dubai. He also developed an appreciation for the broad international profile of the Dubai World Cup program.
“I like Dubai World Cup day better than the Breeders’ Cup,” he said, referring to America’s championship day of racing that this year will be conducted at Santa Anita. “Everybody talks about harmony among nations, but it can’t get any better than this. It truly is the Olympics of horse racing.”
Playful Curlin full of energy at Nad Al Sheba
With 14 other American horses released from quarantine and able to stretch their legs for the first time on Saturday morning at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, reigning Horse of the Year Curlin greeted them with a show of contained but exuberant power.
With his sculpted neck arched and his chestnut coat blazing in the sun, Curlin pulled exercise rider Carmen “Carlos” Rosas around the track and then jumped and hopped when other horses galloped past as he was returning to the gap.
“He’s feeling good,” said assistant trainer Scott Blasi. “He’s showing every indication that he’s getting ready to race.”
With the Dubai World Cup (Gr.1), sponsored by Emirates Airline, only a week away, Curlin is slated to gallop again on Sunday and then work a half-mile (about 800 meters) on Monday morning before he embarks on a mission to break inaugural Dubai World Cup winner Cigar’s career earnings record.
“Weight-wise and coat-wise, everything about him is just what we want to see,” Blasi said. “He came out of his three-quarter mile workout (about 1,200 meters on March 17) with a lot of energy.”
Trackwork - March 22
DIRT TRACK
Fast Work
Vodka – 600mts/49.10sec, 400mts/26.60sec. Moved on tight reins throughout.
Iide Kenshin and Admire Aura – 600mts/37.68sec, 400mts/24.26sec. Moved level throughout with plenty in hand.
Open Canter
Quijano – Travelled well throughout.
Gloria de Campeao – Easy work around the track.
Sarisaa – Travelled on the bit throughout.
Latency – Started work from 2400mts and travelled with plenty in hand throughout.
Hack Canter
Well Armed – Easy work on the bit throughout.
Bushwacker – Easy work around the track
Curlin – Easy work on the bit throughout.
Idiot Proof – Easy work around the track
Vermilion – Easy work around the track.
Benny The Bull – Easy work around the track
Barbecue Eddie – Easy work around the track
Esperamos – Easy hack around the track with the pony.
Diamond Stripes – Easy work on the bit, travelled well.
Trot
Massive Drama – Easy work around the track
Spring House and Barcola – Easy work around the track
TURF TRACK
Honour Devil and Royal Vintage – 1200mts/1m09.07, 1000mts/57.06sec, 800mts/45.26sec, 600mts/33.98sec and 400mts/22.66sec. Started work from 1400mts and picked up pace from 1200mts. Former was travelling two lengths in front until joined by later approaching the 400mts. Both finished level with former being pushed to keep up with latter.
Jay Peg – 800mts/46.00sec, 600mts/33.93sec and 400mts/21.52sec. Started canter from 1400mts and picked up pace from 1000mts. Travelled very well on tight reins entering the straight and quickened well in final stages to finish on well.
Oracle West and Sun Classique – 1200mts/1m10.80, 1000mts/57.90sec, 800mts/45.55sec, 600mts/33.91sec and 400mts/21.88sec. Started work from 1400mts and picked up pace from 1200mts. Both finished level. Later started two lengths behind and pushed in final 400mts to finish level while former was sitting handy.
Sushisan and Linngari – 1000mts/56.29sec, 800mts/44.62sec, 600mts/33.91sec and 400mts/22.24sec. Started work from 1400mts and picked up pace from 1200mts. Former was travelling four lengths in front on tight reins negotiating the final turn, later was pushed hard to finish level passing the post while former was hard held.
Lord Admiral - 600mts/39.10sec, 400mts/26.60sec. Moved on tight reins throughout.
Yellowstone and Gower Song – 1200mts/1m11.61, 1000mts/58.67sec, 800mts/46.42sec, 600mts/35.32sec and 400mts/23.21sec. Started work from 1800mts and picked up pace from 1400mts. Latter started two lengths behind and finished one length in front. Both travelled well throughout and finished with plenty in hand.
Madjani - 600mts/38.90sec, 400mts/25.18sec. Moved on tight reins throughout.
Youmzain – 1200mts/1m10.20, 1000mts/57.59sec, 800mts/45.73sec, 600mts/34.47sec and 400mts/22.53sec. Started work from 1800mts and picked up pace from 1400mts. Youmzain started two lengths behind the lead horse and finished half length in front.
Boy can surprise DWC rivals
Asiatic Boy, seen here winning the Al Shindagha Sprint, can give Curlin a battle in the Dubai World Cup, according to de Kock (copyright Dubai Racing Club/Andrew Watkins)
Mike de Kock is confident Asiatic Boy is back to his best ahead of the 2008 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if his stable star lowered Curlin’s colours in the world’s richest race on March 29.
The South African maestro’s flagbearer will be looking to make history in the US$6 million race as the first horse to secure the UAE Derby and Dubai World Cup double, a feat the trainer says would be the crowning moment of his career.
“I have won six races at Dubai World Cup meetings, but I would trade them all to see Asiatic Boy win the big one,” de Kock said.
The four-year-old overcame a tardy start and traffic problems to score an impressive victory in the Group 3 Al Shindagha sprint on his first start in 2008 but followed up with a disappointing run in the Group 3 Burj Nahaar, finishing third behind the Saeed bin Suroor-trained duo Elusive Warning and Blackat Blackitten.
“We didn’t do enough with him going into the race and he wasn’t quite fit enough” explained de Kock.
“We have had some good work-outs since then and he has improved no end from his last run.
“I think the ratings are pretty accurate going into the race with Curlin in a league of his own but I certainly wouldn’t rule our horse out. A race can go anyway and we will be there to win if Curlin doesn’t.”
Also lining up for the showpiece will be Maktoum Challenge Round 2 winner Lucky Find.
Substituted to the headline race after originally being aimed at the Group 2 Godolphin Mile, the four year old gelding will give owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum a chance to compete against his father who owns Asiatic Boy.
Lucky Find finished third in Round 3 of the Maktoum Challenge behind fellow Dubai World Cup challengers Jalil and Gloria de Campeao but De Kock remains upbeat about the prospects of his South African-bred saying: “He can definitely run second and will be a better horse on the big night than those that beat him last time out”.
While the big race may be at the forefront of de Kock’s mind, he also holds a strong hand in the supporting races with a further six runners.
The top international trainer at this year’s Dubai International Racing Carnival is pinning his main hopes of success on Royal Vintage and Honour Devil, who run in the Group 2 UAE Derby, sponsored by Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, saying they represent his “best chance of a win on the night”.
The pair have dominated the three-year-old colts division in the UAE this season, producing thrilling head to head battles on two occasions. Round One was won by Honour Devil in the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas while Royal Vintage proved too strong in the rematch, taking the Listed Al Bastakiya.
De Kock said: “It’s hard to split them as they are both top-class horses but if I had to bet my life on it I would go with Honour Devil.
“Royal Vintage is probably a better horse but he is not as tough as Honour Devil who is a real street fighter. Royal Vintage is more refined and a little more immature but he will be a live Dubai World Cup contender for next year.”
Oracle West, the runner up in last year’s Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, sponsored by Nakheel, is back for another shot at the US$5 million prize, lining up alongside stablemate Sun Classique who sailed past the competition to take both the Listed Cape Verdi and Balanchine Stakes earlier in the Carnival.
De Kock will also be pointing former Ballydoyle-trained Archipenko at the Group 1 $US5million Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free in an attempt to follow up on the form of his impressive victory in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort.
Brave Tin Soldier, who has been training well recently, will contest the Group 2 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Etisalat, while Narc and Drift Ice contest the Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News.
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