Second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), Presious Passion is on to the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) after making all the running in the 11-furlong Mac Diarmida (G2) at Gulfstream Park, winning by an extended length. Trained by Mary Hartmann, Presious Passion could be an interesting sight on the Meydan turf course as he often opens monstrous front-running gaps on the rest of the field and hopes his speed carries. A 7-year-old gelding by Royal Anthem, Presious Passion’s win was his 14th from 44 lifetime starts and pushed career earnings to more than $2.65 million. Presious Passion is a multiple-G1 winner, most recently landing the Clement L Hirsch (G1) at Santa Anita and the United Nations (G1) at Monmouth Park.
“I was a little anxious in deep-stretch, to have him pull off farther, but that was to make me breath easier,” Hartmann told Gulfstream Park’s Caton Bredar. “I think he is bigger and stronger this year. Dubai is the plan from here.” Presious Passion will be partnered, as always, by jockey Elvis Trujillo.