Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah is amassing a strong team to try to secure his second Royal Ascot winner next month after Dabyah was ruled out of Sunday’s Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Deauville, France.
Al Naboodah must have experienced the thrill of his short career as an owner when Daban was third in the English 1,000 Guineas last Sunday.
However, stable companion Dabyah scoped dirty on Wednesday and will not travel to Deauville-La Touques Racecourse to participate in the Abu Dhabi-sponsored equivalent.
“Unfortunately, she scoped quite dirty this morning and she’s not going to be able to run on Saturday,” said Bruce Raymond, the owner’s racing manger.
Al Naboodah won the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Ascot last June with Ardad, who is also trained by John Gosden in Newmarket, and Raymond confirmed that the Coronation Stakes on June 23 was the new target for Dabyah.
Daban also is entered in the Group 1 race.
With Ardad entered both in the Commonwealth Cup and King’s Stand Stakes, and Nathra being aimed at the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, the royal meeting looks a crucial five days for the UAE businessman.
Al Naboodah also has Ouja entered in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes and Mister Trader entered in the Commonwealth Cup.
At Chester Racecourse in England on Thursday, Charlie Appleby will be looking for Godolphin’s Folkswood to finally land a Group race in the Huxley Stakes.
Folkswood put up a huge performance at Meydan Racecourse when second in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta in March.
He then returned to England to again run second to Steel Of Madrid in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket last month.
Folkswood runs against Poet’s Word, owned by Saeed Suhail, Gosden’s highly regarded Royal Artillery and the favourite Deauville, owned by Fitri Hay.
Gabrial and Snoano are the only other runners.
“I think the track will suit him,” Appleby said.
“He showed at Meydan he can be very effective on the turn when he gets on the rail and, although it’s only a small field, it’s nice he’s got a good draw in Stall 2.”
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