MIKE de Kock’s Dubai outfit will field three runners at Meydan’s Thursday meeting and a further trio at the meeting scheduled for Saturday.
Smiling Blue Eyes, Sanshaawes and Baroot line up together in the Al Naboodah Trade School Trophy over 2000m on turf tonight, the choice of rides going to Christophe Soumillon on Baroot and Mike said: “He’s on the upgrade, improving and has made it into the Carnival, but this is a step up in class and we can only hope he handles it with a competitive run.”
Baroot, on the upgrade.
He said about Smiling Blue Eyes: “She made a fair debut despite pulling up with a sore foot. She will still need it but should improve.”
Sanshaawes, he said, was nearing the end of his career: “We’ll fit him with cheek pieces tonight.”
Tapit’s son Guernsey (USA) goes to post in a 1200m dirt handicap on Saturday, Mike said: “He had one run on dirt at Jebel Ali and didn’t seem to enjoy it, we’re hoping for an improved run.”
Another stable newcomer that had a weak Jebel Ali debut is High Waves (Race 6, handicap on dirt, 1600m) but this one has shown marked improvement in work and Mike commented: “He’s coming along nicely, he has a chance and is probably our best for the weekend.”
Dream Dubai (Race 7) has not found his best form this season and Mike said: “We’re fitting him with blinkers and perhaps he can improve this time. His work is good.”
