US-bred General Marshall makes his debut for Mike de Kock, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and partners at Meydan’s non-carnival meeting scheduled for Saturday, 14 February.

General Marshall is a three-year-old colt by War Front (USA) formerly trained by Aiden O’Brien and will be lining up in a Maiden Plate over 1400m on dirt in the hands of Paul Hanagan.  An odds-on beaten favourite in his last three runs, General Marshall record shows five places from five starts on turf and all-weather tracks respectively.

General Marshall (green silks), has three seconds to show from five starts for his previous yard.

Mike said about his new acquisition: “ General Marshall comes with a big reputation, he has a high rating but to be honest he hasn’t shown us all that much in his gallops at home. On his form alone he must have a clear chance of winning, but I’d like to see more.”

Alareef (Hanagan, R4, 1400m on dirt), is expected to give a good account of himself and Mike said: “Alareef’s inside draw will make a difference, we’re very happy with him, he’s a big runner here.”

Journeyman (R5, 1600m on turf) will be entrusted to the capable hands of  what some would say is his namesake, Johnny Geroudis, a factor that saw his formline improve with a second over 1800m last time. If he reproduces there’s a chance both horse and rider can break their Dubai ducks this season.

Lehaaf (Wayne Smith) is in the same race and Mike said: “He’s doing very well, he has a chance in a race like this, we’re hoping he can bring his best to the track.”

Another new acquisition Johan Strauss (by High Chaparral, Pat Dobbs up) and the veteran Disa Leader (James Doyle) will be taken to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for the HH The President’s Cup, a Listed race over 1400m on turf.

“Both are in good nick and they should run well. This will be Disa Leader’s swansong, he will be retired after the race,” Mike said.