It was a fast and furious morning on Wednesday at Meydan as the international media contingent is fully engaged in the trackwork. Below are a selection of workers and thoughts on appearance.
The award for best looker today was the gritty GLORIA DE CAMPEAO, who galloped a strong two laps of Meydan with stablemates OROVESO and UNCLE TOM not far behind, both UAE Derby (G2). This will be his third try in the race, and arguably, is in the best form of his life. He could definitely get brave on the front end of a race that lacks major pace. This morning, he just loped along enjoying his surroundings and soaking up the sun that has fit him so well here in Dubai. Never respected in the wagering, the Brazilian-bred could land the upset and just keep going.
With Kieren Fallon aboard, GITANO HERNANDO observes the media hanging by the 1,600 meters chute. He worked up a good lather this morning taking a spin around Meydan and the onlooking Barry Irwin of Team Valor seemed content. Considering the cold winter in the UK, some questions might be raised as to his handling of the heat.
Gitano Hernando observes after his trackwork
Turkey’s PAN RIVER holds a chance in the Dubai Sheema Classic after serving as a quality Carnival runner, now seeking the biggest win of his career for Ayhan Kasar and Selim Kaya. He took two full laps of the Tapeta and seemed spent following the work.
ALL SILENT holds one of the few Australian shots on the card, running in the Al Quoz Sprint (G3). He galloped without incident on Tapeta.
ROCKET MAN is Singapore’s crack sprinter and the half-brother to Al Quoz Sprint chance Our Giant. His connections were trackside this morning observing his gallop. He could sit a perfect trip in the Dubai Golden Shaheen behind likely pacesetters Kinsale King and Laurel Guerreiro.
A son of Lemon Drop Kid, RICHARD’S KID fails to make a strong visual impression, mostly based on his size. Still, the Bob Baffert-trainee didn’t have a hair astray this morning. The 2010 Dubai World Cup supplants the Breeders’ Cup Classic as the toughest competition he will face in his career. Can he rise to the occasion?
Front-running PRESIOUS PASSION galloped more than two miles today and, from reports I’ve received, just loves spending time on the track soaking in the action. He seems well-acclimated to the weather considering his South Florida wintering.
GIO PONTI is the top American prospect for the Dubai World Cup and turned in a strong gallop that was most likely recorded. I encountered one eyewitness report that said he had the poorest appearance of all the Americans following the ship to Dubai, but has improved each morning.
