Dubai Duty Free: Trade Storm can continue winning touch in classy contest

Dubai: The quality of the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free over the years means it has cemented its place as one of the strongest races on the Dubai World Cup programme, and the perfect aperitif ahead of the world’s most prestigious race.

This year’s renewal is no exception with a field of 14 internationally-renowed middle-distance turf specialists bidding for the $5 million (Dh18.4 million) purse, which makes it one of the top two richest turf races run anywhere in the world.

Godolphin, who have not landed the 1800m contest since Rhythm Band triumphed under Ted Durcan in 2000, are two-handed this year with the Mahmoud Al Zarouni-trained City Style and Sajjhaa, who represents four-time winning trainer Saeed Bin Surour.

Assessing the chances of Sajjhaa, who is unbeaten in three races at Meydan this season, including the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, Bin Surour said: “Sajjhaa won her first Group One last time and is unbeaten in Dubai this year. She is doing really good in training — no problem at all. She is in the right race, though she faces better horses this time. Her class should mean another good run. She has improved a lot physically this year.”

City Style was not disgraced when taking third in the Jebel Hatta, having previously finished in the same position in the 2012 Dubai Duty Free.

Al Zarouni, who is looking for his first win in the contest, said: “City Style came third last year in this race. He is the type of horse who comes second in a maiden and then second in a Group One. He is a bit clever and I am not sure he wants to be in front. Having said that, he is in the best form of his life and we will ride him handy in the race and hope for another good performance.”

The Godolphin pair face some heavy opposition in a field that contains as many as 10 Group 1 or Grade 1 winners.

Trade Storm, who has notched two impressive wins over lesser rivals during the Carnival, heads the ante-post market and can give trainer David Simcock a first success in the race, which is the fourth leg of the Asian Mile Challenge.

Jennie Simcock, David’s wife, who has overseen his preparation in Dubai, said: “Trade Storm has always been visually impressive and works well, but in the event he has improved beyond our imagination. We will not know for certain whether he can continue improving until Saturday, but it’s his big day.

“He is the first horse we have trained for Qatar Racing, so Saturday is important in that respect. Most of all, though, this race is for Graham Lucas [former owner who died earlier this month].”

Among his main rivals are proven Group 1 performers Little Mike, a dual Grade 1 Breeders Cup winner in America, and New Zealand star Ocean Park.

Little Mike will be partnered by former Dubai World Cup-winning jockey Gary Stevens, who is expected to adopt front-running tactics. “If you try to run with him on the lead, you’re not going to finish, but if you let him go three-quarters in, you’re not going to catch him,” said breeder-owner Carlo Vacarezza. “He has a lot of stamina and a lot of speed.”

Ocean Park won the prestigious Group 1 Cox Plate in Australia last season and his trainer Gary Hennessy said: “The Duty Free has been his goal through a two-prep campaign this winter in New Zealand. This horse is pretty much push-button. He’s got electric speed.”

Mike de Kock, who scored back-to-back victories in the race with Ipi Tombe (2003) and Right Approach (2004), has three runners led by Mushreq, winner of the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort. The Apache won the Al Rashidiya, while Igugu is yet to find her feet at Meydan.

GN Selections

1. Trade Storm

2. Little Mike

3. The Apache