Hermoso Mundo seeks Gold Cup berth in Abu Dhabi
RACING at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is arguably the biggest meeting of the season in the capital. The six-race card is highlighted by the Group 1 Emirates Championship, as well as the biggest Thoroughbred race of the campaign, the Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship over the same 2200m today.
The Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship, has attracted nine runners and appears wide open with South African Mike de Kock seeking to win the 2200m feature for a third time.
Hermoso Mundo
The trainer saddles Hermoso Mundo, having just his second UAE outing after having been well beaten in a 2000m turf handicap at Meydan’s Dubai World Cup Carnival a fortnight ago.
A 6-year-old Ideal World gelding and thrice a Grade 3 winner, including over marathon distances, he will be ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe.
De Kock said: “He needed his first run over an inadequate trip badly, so this looks a good opportunity to try and advertise his claims for a berth in the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.”
Saltarin Dubai, with Richard Mullen riding for Satish Seemar, has the highest official rating, but has yet to win on turf in two attempts, so Kronprinz, despite a small penalty, may prove a bigger danger with Antonio Fresu riding for Erwan Charpy.
“This horse has had no luck with the draw, but certainly ran well at the Carnival.” Charpy said.
“Again he does not have a great draw, but I think Abu Dhabi will suit him and we expect him to run well.”
Trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, Connect will appreciate the return to turf, having not handled the Meydan dirt surface on his latest start. Still, he must prove his stamina over this trip.
Bin Harmash said: “This will probably be his last run of the season, so we can try him over a new trip. If he stays he should be competitive.”