UAE Derby Win Could Send Master Plan to 2017 Kentucky Derby
Bradley Weisbord, US advisor to co-owner Al Shaqab Racing, was on hand for Master Plan's (USA) 2200m gallop on the main track and laughingly referred to the Group 2 US $2 million UAE Derby entry of the promising colt as “a crazy decision.”
“It would be great to get Al Shaqab’s first Dubai World Cup night win - that would be special. It all made sense in the end, and the purse is a very interesting piece of the puzzle.”
If Master Plan wins, the 2017 Kentucky Derby could be an option for him since he will acquire the necessary eligibility points for entry. Weisbord said a strong performance in the 1900m race could indicate Master Plan might be a good candidate for the 2400m Belmont Stakes.
Epicharis (JPN), who has 50 points on the Japanese Road to the Kentucky Derby, stretched his legs, cantering one lap around the dirt course. Trainer Kiyoshi Hagiwara said: "After a brief maintenance gallop we schooled him in the paddock. He is moving quite nicely."
Of Cosmo Charlie (USA) and Bee Jersey (USA), trainer Doug Watson said: “The draw, in 15, was not kind for Cosmo Charlie which was very disappointing. Bee Jersey is in seven which is better but, overall, the draw has done us no favours.”
He Runs Away's (ARG) trainer Ricardo Colombo said: “He came out early this morning and everything is going well. He only did a slow canter, very slow.
Trainer Marco Botti’s wife Lucie is looking forward to Saturday’s race featuring Qatar Man (IRE). The three-year-old was out on the main track at 5.15am and afterwards she said: “He just had a little stretch around the track and was very relaxed, which is just what you want to see. All is good with him.
“He’s drawn in one which is a very good draw and he is next to the American horse (Master Plan) so should be able to follow the speed. Hopefully he can do the same as he did in his last run.”
Adirato (JPN) worked a brief lap and a half over the dirt course. Assistant trainer Shingo Nomiyama said: It was a good easy canter. We didn't want to overdo it before his main work tomorrow but we traced the same course he will run during the race."
Vettori Kin (BRZ), the Brazilian Group 1 winner, appeared on the dirt track for another morning of light exercise around 7am.
Source: Dubai Racing Club