Dubai: Even as the top contenders for each of tomorrow's eight races went through their final workouts, connections began to chalk out their plans and strategies for their equine stars.
While some were elated with their runners having drawn ideal stall numbers, others looked back at their previous runs to keep their hopes alive.
Buena Vista is the only mare in the 14-strong line-up for the $10 million (Dh36.6 million) winner's cheque and may have drawn stall 13 but connections stayed confident. After the Japanese raider's routine piece of work yesterday, trainer Hiroshi Matsuda said: "She is a type of horse who does not start well, so it (draw 13) does not matter. Actually my grandson told me the other day Buena Vista has won twice from stall number 13!"
Another Dubai World Cup runner is Aidan O'Brien's Cape Blanco, who is rated by many as the main danger to favourite Twice Over. Jockey Jamie Spencer, who was aboard the Irish Champion Stakes winner said: "He had a steady canter just to stretch his legs, which is just what Aidan wanted. We are here now and there are two days to go so we'll just have to see how we get on."
Brian Meehan's Breeders' Cup Turf winner, Dangerous Midge, made his debut on the track yesterday morning and the trainer said: "We schooled him under the tunnel and through the paddock and pre-parade ring to get him used to the surroundings."
Perfect plan
Wigmore Hall and Presvis, the top two in the running for the Dubai Duty Free (Group 1) on turf also worked out yesterday. Wigmore Hall's trainer Martin Bell said: "The training is done now and his preparation has gone according to plan. He enjoys being in different places and is always interested in his surroundings. Presvis was a little unlucky behind us when third in the Jebel Hatta. He is probably the one to beat."
Red Jazz is the book-maker's favourite for the Godolphin Mile and jockey Michael Hills gave his father Barry's runner a spin around the All-Weather track after the four-year old cleared quarantine yesterday morning.
