VAZIRABAD IN PURSUIT OF GOLD CUP HISTORY
He only does the absolute minimum. His rider Eric Alloix knows him well. As soon as you put another rider on him, he will do more, so it’s the same guy.”
Royer Duper | Trainer
FRENCH-TRAINED STAYER BIDS TO BE FIRST HORSE TO WIN THE RACE THREE TIMES ON THE TROT
French stayer Vazirabad will attempt to pull off what no horse has done in the history of the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors — win the 3,200-metre contest three years in a row.
Trained by Alain de Royer Dupre, the six-year-old son of German stallion Manduro faces 15 rivals as he bids to create UAE racing history.
And it certainly won’t be easy. Standing in his way are some of the world’s best stayers headed by Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1) hero, Big Orange, and the talented Rare Rhythm, who is unbeaten in his last three starts including one at Meydan where he won the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.
Perhaps Vazirabad was unlucky on the occasion as his jockey, Christophe Soumillon, allowed William Buick to get the first run aboard Rare Rhythm.
Interestingly, 12 months ago, he suffered a similar defeat only to bounce back and win the Gold Cup in convincing fashion.
An imposing Vazirabad grey has gelding, been pleasing De Royer Dupre with some smart work on the dirt track at Meydan Racecourse in the mornings.
“He gives me a good impression,” said the Frenchman, “He is calm and everything seems in order.
He is a bit of an undemonstrative horse, but when he goes like this, on his own accord, it’s OK.
“He only ever does the absolute minimum. His rider Eric Alloix knows him well. As soon as you put another rider on him, he will do more, so it’s the same guy who always rides him.”
Big Orange has been a faithful servant for his trainer Michael Bell over the years delivering forthright performances every time he sets his foot on a race track.
Heartening sight
However, Big Orange suffered from set-fast after working earlier this week, a condition that requires cutting back on exercise and feed, before putting in a final piece of work on Wednesday.
“That was a heartening sight,” said Bell.
“The hour after the work was when we worry that the set-fast might return but he came back to the barn very, very well. That’s a relief. It’s stressful enough having runners in big races without this added stress.
“I’m very lucky that Gillian [Dolman], who travelled the horse, is very experienced. But in terms of condition, the horse is the best he has ever looked.
“Last year he only had a lead out the day before the race,” he added.
“He’s great in his skin and has eaten everything. He loves the sun on his back and fast ground.”
Beside Rare Rhythm, Appleby saddles Frontiersman who his trainer hopes will see out the 3,200m trip on only his second try at the distance after chasing home stablemate Hawkbill on his only Meydan start. “I hope he is still improving and has a good chance,” Appleby said.
Interesting contender
Another interesting contender is Prince of Arran who represents Newmarket trainer Charlie Fellowes. Prince Of Arran who will have his fourth race at Meydan in the Dubai Gold Cup.
After finishing runner-up to Los Barbados on his January debut, he turned the tables the next time and Fellowes decided to test the five-yearold gelding in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy where he fell apart over the last 400m.
Prince Of Arran will be partnered by Oisin Murphy for the first time as James Doyle, who has ridden him this year, will be aboard Frontiersman.
Others in the race are Dubai veteran Sheikhzayedroad and South African Derby hero Al Sahem, who was fifth in the Dubai City Of Gold last time out over 1m4f, and this trip may bring about the best in the four-year-old.
This has always been a very tough race but Natural Scenery is a tough horse who we expect to run well. He has to bring his best game to make an impression.”
Saeed Bin Surour | Trainer