MR Brock was five years old when he won the Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship in 2009 and he is expected to make a bold bid for a second win in the region’s biggest race on Sunday, 20 March, now aged seven.

The 2200m event on turf carries a stake of AED370 000 and Mike de Kock believes that Mr Brock still has the mettle to win for owner Serge Seenyen and jockey Kevin Shea.

“He’s well and has a good chance to land the a double, the field doesn’t look all that strong,” said Mike.

Hunting Tower (Frankie Dettori up), will accompany Mr Brock on the float from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. He, too, has a money chance having won a few times on turf over this trip.

The stable posted a close second with Biarritz in the 2010 renewal of the race.

Two other elder statesmen, Wonder Lawn (1950m handicap) and Warsaw (1200m handicap), will step out on dirt at Jebel Ali in Dubai this Friday, 18 March. Both are fit and well and should be involved in the finish.

Photo: Mr Brock (Kevin Shea), by Andrew Watkins.