The fog rolled into Dubai and took quite a while to burn off, keeping temperatures cooler but reducing visibility substantially for trackwork. The sun would appear as a fuzzy white dot through the mist, then be gone again. Glancing at the expected weather for Saturday’s races had many gawking at the high numbers. Temperatures are expected to reach 99F/37C, but it will feel more like 107F/42C. Observations in the paddock will be of the utmost importance, especially if any of the late Euro shippers decide to run their race in the walking ring.
Here are some thoughts and photographs from the morning, which was the traditional “Breakfast With the Stars” event.
TWICE OVER was one of the first workers easily identified this morning and Tom Queally seemed quite content aboard the third home in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
American Dubai Duty Free (G1) hope COURAGEOUS CAT made another two circuits of Meydan this morning with trainer Bill Mott looking on. You could hear Courageous Cat coming around the bend, through the fog, as his breathing was rather loud and disturbing.
PRESIOUS PASSION was a handful this morning, emerging from the 1,600 meters chute full of vigor and forcing the outriders to scatter a host of connections who were standing observing their runners. Most horses amble out of the chute and begin walking the wrong way. There was no stopping the Mary Hartmann-trainee. It should be noted that Hartmann would be the first female trainer of a thoroughbred winner on World Cup night if her gelding were to win.
Hong Kong Cup (G1) winner Vision D’Etat was a smooth mover this morning, galloping over Tapeta in fine fettle. The French are big fans of his chances, and he looked a part this morning.
Is PRESVIS the Dubai Duty Free (G1) winner? He sure looked like it this morning when the consistent, well-traveled winner took to Meydan with Luca Cumani looking on once again. There is little doubt that his stall 15 draw will not be a hamper as Christophe Lemaire is likely to drop him off the back and come on with one strong run. All systems go for last year’s runner-up.
American turf sprinter CALIFORNIA FLAG has pleased Brian Koriner and jockey Joe Talamo all week. The winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2) wasn’t 100 percent when he ran in the Hong Kong Sprint (G1) was just three lengths behind the winner, Sacred Kingdom. Koriner told me last evening that his charge doesn’t have to be right on the lead, but finds his horse’s natural early speed a great advantage over a straight trip that would seem difficult to close.
BEST LOOKER OF THE DAY
Today’s award goes to Japan’s BUENA VISTA, who did very little work today but seemed the most content of any runner, playfully pawing with the Tapeta in a manner that reminded me of one horse: Zenyatta. She is in complete control of herself and commands presence. Buena Vista played some equine head-games with countrymate GLORIOUS NOAH, in the background, and walked off as princess of the gallops Thursday.
Once again, GLORIA DE CAMPEAO looks the part and had another good blow around Meydan this morning. Here, he returns with just a bit neck sweat after working in front of stable companions UNCLE TOM and OROVESO for the UAE Derby.
2009 Dubai World Cup (G1) winning jockey Aaron Gryder was a popular figure at today’s Breakfast With the Stars event, an annual tradition here, allowing the racing public to mingle with racing’s finest. Below, he speaks with Laura King from Dubai Racing Channel.
Julien Leparoux, who partners DEEM in the Dubai Sheema Classic and FURTHEST LAND in the Dubai World Cup took to the stage for some comments on his Dubai experience.
