'Coming with our heavy guns': Godolphin manager's warning to Dubai World Cup rivals

The stable throws down the gauntlet to its rivals after Saeed Bin Surror's Al Quoz stable dominated the concluding round of the Al Maktoum Challenge.

Silvestre De Sousa rode Hunter's Light to victory on Super Saturday. Neville Hopwood / Getty Images

Godolphin's actions on Super Saturday may have spoken louder than words, but Simon Crisford has thrown down the gauntlet anyway in the lead-up to Dubai World Cup night on March 30.

Godolphin swept all before them at Meydan Racecourse at the weekend, Saeed Bin Suroor in particular. The trainer's Al Quoz stable dominated the concluding round of the Al Maktoum Challenge when Hunter's Light led home stablemates Kassiano and Prince Bishop.

Only 35 minutes later he brought up Godolphin's 201st victory at Group 1 level when Sajjhaa took the Jebel Hatta.

They have a formidable team for the most valuable night in international racing and Crisford underlined that no stone would be left unturned in an effort to secure the lion's share of the US$27 million (Dh99.1m) prize money on offer

"We will be coming in with our heavy guns and hopefully we can win something," the racing manager said.

Godolphin saddled five runners in the Al Maktoum Challenge and could be similarly strong in the World Cup.

Monterosso finished 10th behind Hunter's Light but is set to defend his World Cup title alongside his conqueror.

Capponi, who was the runner up to Monterosso last season, could also run. The likes of Masterstroke and Saint Baudolino are waiting in the wings, while the Godolphin team are to discuss what to do with Kassiano.

"Certainly on that performance Kassiano deserves every chance," Crisford said. "Hunter's Light has taken time to come to hand. He has always been a promising sort.

"As a three year old he liked soft ground but synthetic is playing to his strengths. He is thriving in Dubai and depending on who turns up, I would fancy his chances to win if it is against the same horses."

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