Charlie Appleby is pinning his hopes on the dirt pedigree of Emotionless ahead of the opening round of the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan on Thursday night.
Emotionless showed in Europe as a juvenile that he was Classic material by taking victory at Doncaster Racecourse in September 2015.
He suffered an injury in the Dewhurst Stakes, one of the key juvenile contests of the British season, and then failed to build on that promise in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and a Group 3 at Goodwood in July.
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Emotionless is by Shamardal, the dual French Classic winner, but his dam is Unbridled Elaine, who won the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
The Godolphin four year old has been in Dubai since November at Appleby’s Marmoom Stables and the trainer hopes his charge’s debut on dirt will not be an problem.
“He has thrived since he arrived,” the trainer said of William Buick’s mount.
“He has been working really well on our dirt surface at home and we could not be happier.
“His pedigree offers every hope dirt will suit him and he is a very happy horse at the moment.
“He had problems last year and can hopefully bounce back.”
In contrast, the impressive Dubai Creek Mile winner Fitzgerald is improving rapidly on the dirt. Ahmad bin Harmash has got the best out of the American-bred gelding, who trounced the smart Farrier by just over five lengths at Meydan last month.
Antonio Fresu is once again on board and Bin Harmash is hoping for further improvement in what will be the five year old’s first start in Group company.
“He has won his last two starts well and again takes a step up in class,” the trainer said. “He has continued to work well and deserves to take his chance. “We will find out how much he has improved in the process.”
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Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
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On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
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Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
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