Vazirabad Back for Another Dubai Gold Cup Win

Vazirabad (FR) - Alain de Royer Dupre has brought his representative back to Dubai where he will be hoping to add another Dubai Gold Cup to his impressive record. Unlike last year, when he arrived a week before the event, this year, he came early to run in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Al Nagoodah – VDL Buses, where he finished second.

Antoine Creton, the travelling head lad, said: “He just did a slow canter. He too went on the training track last Tuesday. He is well.” 

Trip To Paris (IRE) - The experienced Robin Trevor-Jones, Ed Dunlop’s travelling head lad, has been overseeing preparations since arriving at the weekend and was happy with the six-year-old's visit to the training track.

“He just had his first light canter on the grass,” said Trevor-Jones. “He hasn’t cantered for three days, as he was just led out on Saturday and jogged on Sunday.

“He arrived here 4kg over his racing weight. It has been so mild in Newmarket that we have already been able to give him plenty of work on the grass back home.”

Basateen (IRE) - Trainer Doug Watson said: “We hope this 3200m is his ideal trip. I think he will run a big race and, hopefully, surprise a few as he has had a good preparation.”

Rembrandt Van Rijn (IRE) - Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer said: “He has been running well over shorter and we are hoping this longer trip will suit him in an open looking race.”

Sheikhzayedroad (GB) – Last season’s Group 2 Long Distance Cup hero cantered on the all-weather training track shortly after 8am.

Quechua (ARG) - Remained in quarantine area. Trainer Ricardo Le Grange said:  “He only arrived on Saturday afternoon so under the 48-hour quarantine rule he had to stay in the barn. I’d imagine he will be on the big track on Thursday for a look around. In between we will take it easy. He travelled well. He lost only 4 or 5kg on the flight over so that’s pretty manageable and I’m pleased with how things are going so far.”

Quest For More (IRE) - Had his first canter since arriving for his Meydan debut, taking a very steady leg-stretch over a circuit and a half of the all-weather training track. 

Heartbreak City (FR)  - Cantered in quarantine area track. Track rider Jamie Heavey said: “He has been here three weeks and I have been helping out with his track work. He has made good progress in his time here.

“His summer coat is starting come through with the good weather here compared to Ireland at this time of year, so that is a good sign of his wellbeing. Tadhg O’Shea has been riding him in his faster gallops and has been happy with him also. His trainer Tony Martin gets here on Wednesday.”

Big Orange (GB) - Cantered on the turf training track just after 8am. Exercise rider Jill Dolman was aboard.

Source: Dubai Racing Club