Gitano Hernando preps for Dubai World Cup

Photo: Charles Pravata / Eclipse Sportswire

Grade 1 winner Gitano Hernando (GB) will resurface at Meydan with an eye on the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), starting with the $200,000 Maktoum Challenge - Round 2 (UAE-G2) on Thursday.

Gitano Hernando finished sixth in last year’s World Cup, two races after winning the Goodwood Stakes (G1) at the 2009 Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meet. In Europe last fall, he won the Diamond Stakes (Ire-G3) on Polytrack at Dundalk and finished fourth to Twice Over (GB) in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes (Eng-G1) at Newmarket.

Marco Botti trains the five-year-old horse for Kentucky-based owner Team Valor International.

The 1,900-meter (9.44-furlong) Maktoum Challenge - Round 2 came up strong, with Vodacom Durban July Handicap (SAf-G1) winner Bold Silvano set for his first start outside South Africa and Al Shemali returning to the site of his victory last March in the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1)...

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