After missing the Breeders' Cup, Suedois lands for Dubai Carnival

A mainstay in top-level turf races on multiple continents, ageless David O’Meara trainee Suedois has taken his show, once again, on the road.

A nine-time winner from 47 starts, the soon-to-be 9-year-old has admirably held his form over the past five seasons and heads to the Dubai World Cup Carnival with a resume including victories in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) and a series of group races in Europe.

The son of Le Havre landed in Dubai on Monday and entered quarantine.

“He likes seven furlongs to a mile,” O’Meara said. “I think the first race for him is Jan. 2 and we’ll look at those good handicaps for him."

The inaugural running of the $175,000 Meydan Challenge over 1400m will likely be the first target on opening night, with three races to be targeted between January and February.

Before the Feb. 20 Zabeel Mile (G2), the logical race in the interim would be the Al Fahidi Fort (G2), also over 1400m. Two $175,000 handicaps fit Suedois' 110 rating during the DWC Carnival, including one over 1600m on Jan. 16 and 1400m on Feb. 27. If his rating slips to 108 following his local bow, additional handicap opportunities present themselves.

The George Turner and Clipper Logistics-owned gelding was last seen in the public eye while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita Park. He reportedly developed a minor hoof infection within a day of the race.

Returned to Europe, he has been training well at his home base near York, UK. The French-bred enters the DWC Carnival having finished fourth or better in 17 of his previous 19 starts, including a triad of Grade/Group 1 events.

When last competing, Suedois finished third in the Oct. 5 Shadwell Turf Mile.

“He will be ready,” O’Meara said. “He’s an older horse and I wanted to keep him going through winter. He fit well into the races in Dubai.”