Dubai: French teenage jockey Mickael Barzalona can't wait to make his mark on the big stage and is hoping that the Godolphin-owned Splash Point can help him achieve his ambition.
Last week 18-year-old Barzalona landed the UAE 2000 Guineas with the Mahmoud Al Zarouni-trained Splash Point, who is being aimed at next month's $2 million (Dh7.35 million) UAE Derby (Group2), and the French teenager senses that this could be his big chance. "It's great riding winners at Meydan, but it would be even nicer to win a big race on Dubai World Cup night," he said. "Splash Point is my big hope when he runs in the Derby.
Full potential
"Obviously he will have to improve as the Derby is a very tough race, but I am confident that he has much more to offer. He's still a baby and has yet to reach his full potential.
"Mahmoud has done a great job with him so far and I think he'll be a much better competitor by the time we get to next month's big-race meeting."
Splash Point, a son of Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry, has emerged as one of the favourites to win the UAE Derby after reversing the result of the prep race for the UAE 2000 Guineas when he beat race favourite Zanzamar by a length.
In the previous encounter it was Zanzamar who prevailed by a length.
"They were both close races, so I think it will be very interesting when they meet again in the Derby," added Barzalona, who intends to ride Splash Point at most of his work prior to the colt's Classic.
Barzalona was involved in a piece of UAE horse racing history when he helped Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour score his 100th winner at the Carnival with Lost In The Moment.
"It's a great honour to be associated with a landmark 100th Carnival winner for Mr Saeed," he said. "It means a lot to a young jockey like me and helps you get more motivated."
Barzalona, who is also contracted to ride for French legend Andre Farbe as his second jockey, has enjoyed four successes at the Carnival, which included a rousing win for Newmarket trainer Marco Botti aboard Lolamar.
