Sharp Azteca has Easy Work for Godolphin Mile
Sharp Azteca (USA) – The Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap winner worked an easy 800m under exercise rider Anthony Cruz for the Godolphin Mile. Trainer Jorge Navarro was pleased with the move, even if he couldn’t say for certain what the time was.
“I got him in 55 seconds, I think,” he said. “The poles got me, though. This track is just too big!
“I didn’t want to do too much with him. He’s already fit. I just wanted to take the edge off because he’s tearing down the stall. I didn’t care about the workout as much as the gallop out and I got exactly what I asked. I wanted it to be strong and he was dragging the rider and came back good.
“He’s taking to everything very well. Shipping to California [from Florida for the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in December] didn’t seem to bother him, that long trip. So I asked Mr. Gelfenstein (owner) if we could make the trip to Dubai. I told him the trip wouldn’t affect him and so far I’m right. He’s eating up good and everything we ask him he’s doing good.
“This horse has a lot in the tank and I don’t think we’ve seen the best out of him yet.”
Second Summer (USA) and Etijaah (USA) - Trainer Doug Watson said: “We had hoped to run in the Dubai World Cup, especially after his excellent second in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, but he finished sore on Super Saturday when he did not run his race.
“This trip will be his minimum but, hopefully, there will be plenty of pace on early.
“The same with Etijaah who would probably prefer further but is in good form and should be staying on. We had a lot of luck in this race last year when saddling the first three but I would be more than happy just to win it again!”
Kafuji Take (JPN) - Assistant trainer Hirofumi Yamamoto said: “He was a little tired after the journey but he has improved a lot over the past few days. Today we cantered a lap and a half over the dirt. Jockey Yuchi Fukunaga will gallop him on Wednesday.”
Heavy Metal (GB) - Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer said: “He won impressively on Super Saturday and seems in the same kind of form. It will be a stronger race but he should be competitive at least.”
Ross (IRE) - The Group 3 Burj Nahaar sponsored by Emirates Holidays runner-up stayed in the quarantine yard on Monday, where he trotted.
Work rider Patrick Gibson explained: “He worked on Sunday on the main track at Meydan. He worked over 1400m. We went steady and then quickened over the last four hundred meters in order to open the lungs. Hence, on Monday morning, he just trotted at the quarantine yard. He is well.”
North America (GB) - Trainer Satish Seemar said: “He has been a revelation and has done nothing but improve all season. He has been a great new recruit and is the perfect advertisement for the horses sales organised by the ERA.
“We go to Meydan on Saturday with a very live chance and just hope the draw is kind to us.”
Le Bernardin (USA) - Trainer Ali Rashid Al Rayhi said: “Course and distance obviously suit him as he has shown by winning Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 twice. Super Saturday was a bit disappointing but he is working well and, we hope, will be very competitive in a strong heat.”
Fitzgerald (USA) - Trainer Ahmad bin Harmash said: “He has had a good season and deserves to take his chance in a tough race. He should run well.”
Source: Dubai Racing Club