Cross Counter eager to shine
dubai — Cross Counter is set to make his seasonal reappearance in the stayers’ feature, the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, on the rich Dubai World Cup card at Meydan on March 30.
The brilliant winner of the G1 Melbourne Cup in November has thrived since his epic performance in coming from second last on the home turn to win Australia’s iconic two miler last November.
“Cross Counter has come back from Melbourne stronger and brighter than ever, and he has put on 25kg in body weight. He looks great,” trainer Charlie Appleby was quoted by the Godolphin website.
He added that after discussing his programme with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the team had pencilled in the Dubai Gold Cup as a starting point for 2019. “We will see where that takes us.”
“It will be an opportunity for His Highness to see Cross Counter on the big night, and also for Godolphin fans in Dubai to give the horse the ‘home town’ welcome he deserves,” the trainer added.
Cross Counter, a gelded son of Darley stallion Teofilo, has won five of his eight starts — he has only once finished out of the first two.
Appleby again has a Melbourne campaign in mind for the four-year-old later in the year, although he is fully aware that the next visit to Australia will be very different.
“A defence of his Melbourne Cup crown is an obvious long-range target but we know he will be getting a lot more weight this time,” he said.
Appleby also outlined plans for his other star four-year-olds this season.
Old Persian, who gave Cross Counter 3lbs and a head beating in the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last August, is to be aimed at the G1 Sheema Classic on World Cup night, with the G2 City Of Gold nominated for his prep run.