Dubai Race Night » Henry Cecil

Twice Over a flashing Eclipse winner

PatCummings — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:23:12 +0000

Only tenth home in the Dubai World Cup, but just more than three lengths behind Gloria De Campeao, Twice Over landed top spoils in this weekend’s Coral Eclipse Stakes (G1), giving trainer Henry Cecil a fourth, and long-awaited win in the race. Click HERE for more from the Daily Record.

Cecil blames lack of experience for Twice Over’s showing

PatCummings — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:03:41 +0000

While “blame” might be a strong word to use, trainer Henry Cecil ponders about the lack of a prep race for Twice Over following his tenth place finish in the 2010 Dubai World Cup. In comments to the Press Association, available HERE, Cecil remarked that if Twice Over “had a run on the track before, it may have been a different story.”

The top three finishers represented five Carnival wins over the Tapeta in the $10 million race. Twice Over, despite finishing tenth, was only 3.25 lengths behind.

Gitano Hernando clear in Dubai World Cup prep; Cecil “very happy” with Twice Over

PatCummings — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:59:14 +0000

Long pointed for the Dubai World Cup (G1), Gitano Hernando did not disappoint as the 1-2 favorite stormed home a convincing 4.5 length winner of the Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield. Jockey Kieren Fallon got into the colt with about three furlongs to run and bending for home, the Goodwood (G1) winner from October lengthened his stride and easily kicked away under a full drive. While the quality of the field was far from strong, the second home Suits Me being a meer listed winner, trainer Marco Botti likely got the performance he was looking for from the son of Hernando.

Meanwhile, legendary trainer Henry Cecil has affirmed his hand for the $10,000,000 race with Breeders’ Cup Classic third, Twice Over. Press Association noted that Cecil was “unusually confident” in his colt, who galloped a circuit over the Lingfield course. Click HERE for the full story. Tom Queally was aboard for the ride just days after some mounts at Meydan to familiarize himself with the course.

Also noted is that the colors of Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms will also make an appearance at the Dubai World Cup meeting with Summer Mile (G2) second and Nayef Joel Stakes winner Confront, a Dubai Duty Free (G1) or Godolphin Mile (G2) contender. Fellow Sir Michael Stoute trainee Spanish Moon, nipped out in a photo from last year’s Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) will return for another try.

Dubai World Cup set as goal for Gio Ponti

PatCummings — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:46:34 +0000

The expected Eclipse Award winner for best US turfer of 2009, and recent second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) behind Zenyatta, Gio Ponti is being pointed to the $10 million 2010 Dubai World Cup (G1). The report, made by Shane Ryan, president of Castleton Lyons, indicates the 5-year-old will remain in training and point for the world’s richest race. Gio Ponti won four consecutive Grade 1 stakes races on the turf this year, beginning with the Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita, followed by Belmont’s Manhattan and Man O’ War, then the Arlington Million. His lifetime earnings now exceed $3,000,000.

Click HERE for the full report.

It is also expected that the Henry Cecil trained Twice Over, third behind Zenyatta, will also make the trip as was reported several days earlier. A unique rematch is likely pitting the top two also-rans from a historic race. Watch the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic below.

Cecil suggests Dubai World Cup for Twice Over

PatCummings — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:38:34 +0000

Henry Cecil, trainer of Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) placer Twice Over, suggested a run in the Dubai World Cup (G1) was possible for his son of Observatory. The placing was the first lifetime start over synthetics and a strong finish behind Zenyatta and Gio Ponti is behind Cecil’s encouragement.

Click HERE for more from RacingPost.