Events / Tony Calvin / 26 March 2008 / Leave a Comment

Our man on the spot Tony Calvin reports on some explosive events in Dubai...

Goldolphin expect to have between "175-185" horses in training at Newmarket this season and, at their open day in Dubai this morning, their racing manager Simon Crisford outlined plans for the stable stars in the coming weeks.

The morning literally got off to a bang when a local tissue factory was the scene of a fearsome explosion, which soon had the sky turning black with smoke and paper raining down on those present, but the Godolphin string certainly didn't look a shower or short of firepower themselves this season.

Here is what they had to say about their string...

FAST COMPANY: One of the leading juveniles of 2007 and runner-up to New Approach in the Dewhurst, but Crisford was strikingly downbeat about this performer. While acknowledging that he has top class form on the track, Crisford admitted that the horse hasn't shown him "anything in his home work". Possibly looks set to drift in the Betfair market when news of this appears in tomorrow's papers.

IBN KHALDUN: Clearly the apple of their eye and the Racing Post Trophy winner has had an excellent winter and they hold very strong hopes for the horse. Their number one 2,000 Guineas hope on this evidence.

RIO DE LA PLATA: Top class Group 1 winner at two but Betfair punters should note that this horse is being aimed at the French 2,000 Guineas at this stage, despite being trainer Saeed Bin Suroor's horse to follow this season.

CALMING INFLUENCE: Impressive 5 length winner of a York maiden and is expected to be out in mid May, with 7f/1m the optimum trip.

AL SHEMALI: Bypasses the Dubai World Cup meeting and goes for a Listed race in May.

CREACHADOIR: Really imposing horse to look at. Here is what Suroor had to say about him: "He has had a good winter. He ran very well in Hong Kong and we are hopeful that he will get the trip on Saturday, though we saw in the Champion Stakes that he won't stay further than 9 furlongs." They hold very high hopes for this one.

OMNICAT: Unseated his rider when would have won at Doncaster but working really well.

MY INDY: Runs in UAE Derby and is ridden by Frankie. Suroor: "He is a tough solid horse who tries very hard. But clearly he has to improve."

IGUAZU FALLS: Rated a serious contender for honours by Crisford.

HAPPY BOY: Incredibly impressive in Dubai in January. But don't be rushing to back this at the weekend if the vibes are correct. Has "come up short recently" after his preparation was held up by a leg infection. A potential drifter for the weekend.

ELUSIVE WARNING: Rated by Crisford as their best chance of a win at the weekend and Suroor concurred: "He has booked his ticket for the Godolphin Mile by winning well at Nad Al Sheba and he has done nothing but please us since."

LITERATO: Really pleased them over the winter and has been showing plenty of speed in his homework.

MCCARTNEY: Not quick enough for the Guineas but goes for the Dante: Derby prospect.

BLUE KSAR: Goes for a Group 3 at Ascot in mid May.

REGAL FLUSH: Despite showing plenty of speed, this one is their Cup horse.

LAURELDEAN GALE: Lost her chance in the Boussac because she apparently got over excited in the pre-parade ring; their top 1,000 Guineas hope.

SCREEN STAR: They are very optimistic about this Redcar maiden winner and it is rated Royal Ascot material.

SIYASA: A lot better than sole run at two indicates. They have high hopes for this filly.

DOVE: Has been pleasing in homework.

YOUNG PRETENDER: "Wants 1m, will be seen out in May and is a high class performer."


* * *

Horses to follow this season by the stable stars...

MCEVOY: Ibn Khaldun.

SUROOR: Rio De La Plata.

DETTORI: Ramonti/Fast Company.

CRISFORD: Ibn Khaldun.


* * *

Other contenders on World Cup night:

JALIL (Runs in Dubai World Cup): "Needs to progress again, but we think there is still more improvement to come."

BLACKAT BLACKITTEN (Godolphin Mile): "Not much between him and Elusive Warning but this one is tough and honest."

WEST WIND (Sheema Classic): "Has been working well."

COCOA BEACH (UAE Derby): "Literally has thrived over the past couple of months. However this is a much tougher assignment against the colts but we think she is up to the challenge."

GRAVITAS (Sheema Classic): "This is a big step up and it will be very tough for him,"

DIABOLICAL (Golden Shaheen) : "His win at Nad Al Sheba and the top class form he showed previously in America give him the right credentials for the Golden Shaheen. We were very happy with his run last time and he has done well since."

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