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Eagle Mountain has Dubai’s Sheema Classic in sights |
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1/20/2009 10:24:13 AM |
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EAGLE Mountain, hero of last month’s Cathay Pacific Cup in Hong Kong, will be aimed at March’s Sheema Classic during the Dubai Carnival, which kicked off last week.
De Kock’s other Hong Kong victor, Archipenko, who won the QE 11 Cup in April, will have the Dubai Duty Free as his target, also in March.
“Eagle Mountain missed last year’s race because of injury, while Archipenko was unlucky in the Dubai Duty Free,” said De Kock. “I am certain Eagle Mountain stays the 2400m of the Sheema — both he and Archipenko have shown how good they are in Europe, America and Hong Kong.”
De Kock revealed that Asiatic Boy, runner-up in last year’s $6m Dubai World Cup, could well clash with stablemate Honour Devil during the carnival. Last year Honour Devil showed his class when winning the UAE Derby, but Asiatic Boy was lauded for a top effort in the world’s richest race.
“Asiatic Boy did not settle in the UK last year so we bought him back to Dubai early,” said De Kock. “As a result, he is a lot further ahead in his preparation than 12 months ago.”
De Kock says his two stars are both on course for the World Cup at the end of March. “Asiatic Boy will probably contest the last two rounds of the Maktoum Challenge before the Cup,” said SA’s champion trainer, whose Dubai tally of winners stands at 54.
Of course, it is the Dubai debut of another of De Kock’s raiding party, JJ The Jet Plane, that is eagerly awaited. Last season’s champion sprinter was denied a run in Hong Kong last month as a result of quarantine difficulties, but the four-year-old could quickly make up for lost time.
Other new recruits who will shortly be racing in Dubai for the first time include Vodacom July winner Hunting Tower, Front House and last season’s leading juvenile, Rocks Off.
Proven carnival performers expected to pay their way are Royal Vintage, Bennie Blue Engrupido, Drift Ice and Frosty Secret. Little wonder that De Kock is confident that he’s set for his most successful carnival to date.
Jay Peg’s win in last year’s Dubai Duty Free will remain a highlight of trainer Herman Brown long after he has retired.
Jay Peg is again expected to be the stable star this year, but Brown is bullish that he will also fare well with other runners. “We have some nice new horses with Guineas and Derby winner King’s Gambit ,” said Brown.
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Source: Businessday.co.za |
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