AL WUKS ON AIR
HARRY HERBERT expects Al Wukair to go close in the 2,000 Guineas on May 6 at Newmarket. Herbert is advisor to the colt’s owner, Sheikh Al Thani, and was very positive yesterday. “After he won the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte, earlier in the month, I thought crikey he might be a bit special,” said Herbert about the Andre Fabre-trained colt, best priced at 5-1. “Andre told me at the start of the season he was very bullish about him. He said that one of his work riders, who has partnered some smart horses on the gallops, said Al Wukair is the best he has ever ridden.”
Fabre has won the 2,000 Guineas with Pennekamp (1995) and Zafonic (1993). Unlike last year when his horses underperformed due to a virus, this term his runners are flying.
“I saw Al Wukair last week and he’s absolutely blooming,” said Herbert. “His form is very good and he’s got a terrific turn of foot.
“The Sheikh’s retained jockey in France, Gregory Benoist, will ride him as he knows the colt well and has won on him three times.
“Gregory’s been to England before – winning both times at Goodwood.”
Herbert thinks Churchill deserves his place at the head of the market. “I saw him last year when he won the National Stakes at the Curragh,” he said. “He’s the one with proven form. I was also impressed with Eminent last week.
LADBROKES’ 2,000 Guineas odds: 6-4 Churchill, 4 Al Wukair, 9-2 Barney Roy, Eminent, 14 Caravaggio, Swiss Storm, 16 Dream Castle, 20+ others.
1,000 Guineas: 5-2 Rhododendron, 8 Fair Eva, Dabyah, Daban, 11 Talaayeb, 14 Intricately, Senga, 16+ others.