Dubai: Torrential rain played havoc with trainers’ morning plans for turf runners as the main turf track had to be closed to preserve the surface for the showpiece on Saturday.
Paddock schooling was again on the agenda for the Japanese contingent with Adirato, Vivlos, Gold Dream, Sounds of Earth and Real Steel all making their way under the tunnel to the paddock for a quiet walk around to acquaint themselves with their surroundings, an essential part of the preparation for such an enormous occasion.
Richard Fahey’s Ribchester, running in Dubai Turf, looked sharp and smart as did Al Quoz Sprint contender and Bill Mott-trained Long On Value. Mick Channon’s filly Opal Tiara executed an impression of a dirt horse moving outstandingly over it despite needing to run on fast turf!
Over on the training track we watched a group of mainly European horses exercising. Roger Charlton’s duo Quest for More (Dubai Gold Cup) and Decorated Knight (Dubai Turf) went quietly on their own and looked relaxed and calm.
Al Quoz Sprint fancy Limato, trained by Henry Candy, was the opposite and seemed to want to do more than was required. His rider certainly had his hands full but maybe this is just his normal exuberant behaviour.
John Gosden-trained Jack Hobbs has matured into a fine animal and I reckon he will shake up the already strong field in the Sheema Classic. The senior boy of this party Sheihkzayedroad, trained by David Simcock, is again enjoying his winter quarters along with Michael Bell-trained Big Orange. They are both Gold Cup bound.
Irish trainer Tony Martin has his Melbourne Cup runner-up, Heartbreak City, well prepped for a tilt at the Dubai Gold Cup. Tony’s man Arthur Fenelly, who travels everywhere with their star, tells me: “he’s an absolute gentleman, you can do anything with him and he doesn’t turn a hair. A marvellous horse”. Personally I’d say Heartbreak City is relaxed by the wonderful humour of his travelling companion.! He went two circuits on the turf.
Late out to the track was Postponed, sticking rigidly to his daily routine and looking grand on his two laps of the tapeta. One horse, who did break away from his usual prescribed work was Handassa, the gorgeously handsome chestnut with a white face, and I saw him over at the training track for the first time.
He went on the turf too and looked amazing. His stride completely altered with no sign of the high knees and grabbing action he has shown on the dirt lately. Today he looked happy and fairly flew around the grass obviously enjoying the opportunity. For me it was quite a revelation.
Singapores Debt Collector also caught the eye with his beautiful action. Good luck to Cliff Brown with him.
— The author is a former trainer from the UK and the mother of leading international jockeys James and Sophie Doyle.
