Dubai Race Night » Dubai World Cup Trackwork

Unconfirmed report indicates Gio Ponti may miss Dubai World Cup, not among the initial scratchings

PatCummings — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 11:55:17 +0000

A report received by DubaiRaceNight.com from visitors to his barn this morning indicate Gio Ponti, fourth in the 2010 Dubai World Cup beaten less than two lengths, may suffer from a similar fate as Kinsale King, already a defection from the 2011 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Sharing a barn with Kinsale King, DubaiRaceNight.com was told that Gio Ponti’s eye was heavily swollen earlier today, believed to have been the result of an insect bite. DubaiRaceNight.com stresses that reports regarding Gio Ponti are unconfirmed. We have, however, confirmed the Kinsale King reports from trainer Carl O’Callaghan and representatives of the ownership, independently, about the scratch. Gio Ponti is not among the changes for the card through the initial changes.

Kinsale King out of Dubai Golden Shaheen

PatCummings — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 11:19:42 +0000

Kinsale King, winner of the 2010 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), will be scratched by trainer Carl O’Callaghan in his repeated bid. “His legs are all blown up, he seems to have had an allergic reaction to something, maybe a [insect] bite” the Irish-born trainer reported to DubaiRaceNight.com. “Everyone is here and we’re disappointed but all in good spirits. There is much more good racing in this guy.” O’Callaghan mentioned Singapore’s KrisFlyer International Sprint (G1) as a possible next race.

Top American jockey Ramon Dominguez speaks of Gio Ponti, I Want Revenge for the 2011 Dubai World Cup meeting

PatCummings — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:36:48 +0000

Ramon Dominguez is back riding GIO PONTI for the Dubai World Cup and partners I WANT REVENGE in the Godolphin Mile. He graciously gives his insight on both, and hopes to go a bit better in the 2011 edition after a fourth in the $10 million race.

John Moore loves Sunny King in Dubai Golden Shaheen

PatCummings — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:33:17 +0000

You won’t find many horses getting as much play from their trainer as Hong Kong-based John Moore has with SUNNY KING. He is incredibly bullish on his chances in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), and that is with another runner in the race (DIM SUM). With the pace likely to be as strong as it is, expect Sunny King to get a run from the tail. Our observations of his style in the mornings have yielded a horse that is arguably quirky, but he has settled in and progressed in his appearance as the week progresses.

John Gosden hopes freshness angle works again with Tazeez, Utley, in Dubai return

PatCummings — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:30:03 +0000

After scoring the 2010 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) with Dar Re Mi, trainer John Gosden has brings TAZEEZ to the race with similar preparation and a big chance. UTLEY, last seen at the Breeders’ Cup in November, goes first up in the UAE Derby (G2) and has gone well on the Tapeta so far.

Frank Gabriel, Terry Spargo preview the big night and look back at the Carnival

PatCummings — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:29:11 +0000

ERA commentator Terry Spargo takes a glance back at the 2011 Dubai International Racing Carnival and looks ahead to his top tips in the big races, plus offers his greatest memories from the world’s richest night of racing. While below that, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, Frank Gabriel, lends his perspective.

JJ’s trainer gives the word on his Jet Plane

PatCummings — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:24:28 +0000

While there is much noise in the background, listen up to trainer Lucky Houdalakis on the chances of his runner, probably one of the biggest favorites ont he day, JJ THE JET PLANE in the Al Quoz Sprint (G2). JJ worked this morning, blowing out three furlongs in 35.1, giving him a good bit of work before the big race.

Ajtebi, bin Suroor on some top Godolphin chances

PatCummings — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:11:48 +0000

Ahmed Ajtebi, top rider for Godolphin trainer Mahmoud Al Zarooni, chimes in with his top chance for the 2011 Dubai World Cup meeting. Saeed bin Suroor adds some of his thoughts as well in the videos below, shot amidst the noisy Meydan theatre lobby.

Kevin Shea on Golden Sword, Irish Flame, Bankable, and Reem – all live runners this Dubai World Cup

PatCummings — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:43:13 +0000

Long time rider for Mike De Kock, jockey Kevin Shea has four monumental chances on Dubai World Cup night. Having just missed in the 2010 Dubai World Cup (G1) when a fraction of a second late behind Gloria De Campeao, Shea is anxious for another chance. He’ll ride GOLDEN SWORD in the Dubai World Cup, and the newly-blinkered IRISH FLAME in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1). Shea was second on Bankable in the 2010 Dubai Duty Free (G1) and hopes to go one better there as well. He was incredibly generous to give us some time after trackwork on Wednesday.