Dunlop mulling Ouija options
The multiple Group One winning mare was back at Gainsborough Stables in Newmarket last night after she could finish only fourth on her seasonal debut behind Heart’s Cry in a tactical race for the Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba.
“Ouija Board has come home safe and sound. She travelled well, got home last night and had a pick of grass this morning,” said Dunlop.
“She seems fresh and well but obviously we’ll know more in the next 48 hours.”
After Saturday’s race, Dunlop said he and owner Lord Derby would consider either the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin on April 23 or the Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji on May 14 for the five-year-old. “We’ll sit on it over the weekend, see how she is in the early part of next week and take it from there,” he added.
Dunlop also reported Court Masterpiece to be in good heart on his return from Dubai where he was sixth in the Godolphin Mile.
“Court Masterpiece is fine. He seems in very good form and he’ll have a bit of a holiday now,” the trainer continued.
“We’ll see how he gets over the race and go carefully with him for a bit.”
Mikael Magnusson meanwhile will have his first British Classic runner when I’m In Love contests the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 7.
The daughter of Zafonic won one of her three starts as a juvenile when taking a mile maiden on the all-weather at Lingfield and is currently a 100-1 chance with the sponsors for the fillies’ Classic.
“It’s a case of so far so good with I’m In Love. She worked at Lingfield on Wednesday under Eddie Ahern and went very nicely,” said Magnusson.
“I have been very pleased with her progress over the winter - she has matured and is much more relaxed this year.
“She’ll go for the Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on April 18 and, if she runs well there, we will aim her at the 1000 Guineas.
“I am slightly concerned about dropping her back to seven furlongs in the Nell Gwyn, although she has plenty of speed. She looks very well and I couldn’t be happier with her.”
