Dubai: Godolphin have won every running of the Dubai Gold Cup (G1) since 2010 and long-serving handler Saeed Bin Surour must fancy his chances of continuing that dominance when he saddles Cavalryman in Saturday’s renewal of the 3,200m contest.
The eight-year-old son of Halling looks to be in the best form of his life having posted an imperious 5 ½ length victory over South African-trained Star Empire and Irish stayer Certarach on his last start in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy four weeks ago.
Bin Surour, who also saddles Songcraft in the race, said: “Cavalryman won very well on his first start of the year [in the Group Three Nad Al Sheba Trophy on March 1]. He always runs well when fresh.
“We have given him a break and he is in great shape. He won this race last year, so two miles is not a problem. He worked last Saturday and worked really nicely. He is in good form.
“Cavalryman is an older horse but he is looking very well physically,” the trainer added.
“Songcraft ran well last time when a head second to stable companion Excellent Result in the Group Two Dubai City Of Gold. He is also working nicely and in good condition. I think two miles will be fine for him.”
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Ernest Hemmingway and Ed Dunlop’s dual Group 1 scorer Joshua Tree look to be the main threats, as does Irish-trained Simenon.
Commenting on the hopes of his Canadian International (G1) winner who prepared for his shot at the Gold Cup by working with his Dubai World Cup-bound stablemate Red Cadeaux, Dunlop said: “He has just gone round the track and quickened down the straight. All his main work is done and dusted.”
Assistant trainer Emmet Mullins also delivered an upbeat report about Simenon.
“He’s doing great,” said Mullins, who knows Simenon well after riding him for much of his work at home in Ireland over the past 1 ½ years. “I’m very happy with him. He’s a lot fitter than he was in his last race and I imagine, come race night, he’ll be ready to go.”
Michael Halford’s Certerach and Dabadiyan are not without their chances and can be expected to finish close in what looks a strong renewal of the five-year old contest.
Certerach was third last time out to Cavalryman and has been putting in some smart work under Jamie Spencer all week.
“I think he will run a good race and I think he will stay the 3200m,” Halford commented. “Shane [Foley] rode him at work [Dabadiyan] and said he felt good,
“He had a blow after working 1400 metres. He cleared his pipes — they were good and clear and his preparation has gone well.
“I think his style of racing will see him stay the distance.”
In the final analysis, Cavalryman is tipped to hold on to his title, while Joshua Tree and Ernest Hemmingway should battle it out for the minor placings.
