Regular readers of DubaiRaceNight.com will recall my fond price searching during the Dubai International Racing Carnival and Redding Colliery, a sophomore colt who ran into the Desert Party/Regal Ransom buzz saw three times this winter, caught my eye often. While seeking some value against the shorter prices, I selected Redding Colliery twice this winter and he didn’t entirely disappoint with third place finishes behind the Godolphin pair.
Now, the son of Mineshaft out of the Zilzal mare, Joop, is in training with Kiaran McLaughlin and is entered in Sunday’s third race at Saratoga over seven furlongs. His morning trackwork has been quite impressive and he will be medicated with Lasix for his American debut; Rajiv Maragh rides.
ASIATIC BOY SCRATCHED
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Asiatic Boy was scratched from Saturday’s Whitney at Saratoga due to spiking a temperature the morning of the race. 18-1 shot Bullsbay was an upset winner in the race and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin reported that otherwise, the 2007 UAE Triple Crown winner was in fine fettle.
GLORIA DE CAMPEAO UNPLACED IN ARLINGTON MILLION
Second home in the Dubai World Cup (G1) and the narrow winner of the Singapore International Cup (G1) was a dull seventh in the Arlington Million (G1) on Saturday afternoon. Ridden once again by T.J. Pereira, Gloria De Campeao settled second, well behind the runaway pacesetter Presious Passion, and faded turning for home over a tiring course rated yielding.
BRAVE TIN SOLDIER WINS
Kiaran McLaughlin is in the news once again as Brave Tin Soldier landed his first American victory on Saturday at Monmouth Park in a one mile turf contest. The race was run under incredibly fast conditions with Brave Tin Soldier running from well off the pace to win at 4-1, marking his first turf victory since his maiden win at Naas in 2006. Saturday’s victory was the second for Brave Tin Soldier in 2009, having landed a win on New Year’s Day at Nad Al Sheba during the Winter Racing Challenge. Carlos Marquez Jr. had the winning ride over a course rated firm. The final time was one second off the course record.