Whereas a large proportion of the 14 runners in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday evening have the Dubai World Cup meeting in their sights, trainer David Simcock is looking to the now with Trade Storm.
Trade Storm faces a full field in tonight’s 1,800-metre contest as Qatar Racing’s standard bearer this season attempts to improve on his second-placed finish behind Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad’s Mshawish in the Zabeel Mile last week.
With $US300,000 (Dh1.1m) on offer, the Jebel Hatta will be easy pickings in comparison to three week’s time.
Simcock could also be forgiven for barely looking past his nose at present as his wife was due to give birth this week ahead of him travelling to Dubai from England to oversee his three runners tonight.
Meydan has attracted nearly 50 horses of at least Group 2 quality across the seven races on the thoroughbred card, but for Simcock it makes his job all the harder.
Trade Storm faces the unbeaten Vercingetorix from Mike De Kock’s yard, the Balanchine winner L’Amour De Ma Vie from France as well as the potential improvers Mars and Godolphin’s Vancouverite.
Trade Storm is generally held up in the rear by regular partner Jamie Spencer and his jockey will need to be at his best if he is to negotiate his way through the lesser horses also entered in the race, according to the Newmarket trainer.
“I’m a little gutted with the big field and there is a bit of dead wood in there,” Simcock said. “He barely got a smack last time, however, and needed the race but I’m delighted with him now.”
Simcock also has two runners in the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold.
Sheikhzayedroad will be joined in the turf contest over 2,410 metres by new stablemate Battle Of Marengo, who was bought last season by Al Asayl as a possible contender to bring the Dubai World Cup to Abu Dhabi for the first time.
Those plans have been since shelved after the former Aidan O’Brien runner was tailed off last month for UAE champion trainer Ernst Oertel.
“Taking him from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to train did not suit him,” Simcock said.
“It was like going to the races for him – he would lose weight and it wasn’t a good preparation for him. I can train him from Dubai and an international turf campaign is the intention.
“I have only had him for three weeks. He is not an exuberant worker, has been drawn in the widest gate but we will see how we go.
“As for Sheikhzayedroad, he must be the most unattractive horse in Dubai, but he made up a terrific amount of ground last time and I’m hopeful.”
Super Saturday race card breakdown
Race 1, 4.30pm, For purebred Arabians
Race 2, 5.10pm, Al Bastakiya
Ireland have had a great Dubai World Cup Carnival and He’s No Saint can keep the momentum going in the opening thoroughbred race of the night.
Race 3, 5.45pm, Meydan Sprint
The enduring rivalry between Shea Shea and Sole Power is worth watching at Meydan tonight. Shea Shea was not ready on his first start in Dubai last season, which could leave the door open for the Irish raider.
Race 4, 6.25pm, Mahab Al Shimaal
Ireland are well represented in the Tapeta sprint by Russian Soul, but it is a competitive heat in which United Colour may well just hold off Reynaldothewizard and Krypton Factor.
Race 5, 7pm, Burj Nahaar
Variety Club made a huge impression on his first start in Dubai in the Firebreak Stakes. He looks of a different class and should win if his exertions have not taken their toll.
Race 6, 7.35pm, Dubai City Of Gold
Heavy Metal has not had the right opportunities since he arrived from South Africa and back on turf, over the right distance, he could upset Empoli and Penglai Pavilion.
Race 7, 8.10pm, Al Maktoum Challenge R3
African Story will make a bold bid for Saeed Bin Suroor but could get run out of it at the finish by David Marnane’s Elleval.
Race 8, 8.45pm, Jebel Hatta
Trade Storm will be ready as will Mike De Kock’s Vercingetorix and they can fight out the finish, ahead of Vancouverite and Mars.
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