Noseda targets Dubai Carnival
The five-year-old will be joined on the flight by Royal Hunt Cup winner Forgotten Voice, progressive handicappers Stoic and Leahurst and Awinnersgame.
“Strike The Deal came back from the Breeders’ Cup lame and had to have four easy weeks. His preparations since have slightly been hindered by the harsh weather,” said Noseda.
“His programme will depend on how he trains in Dubai but we would like to consider a Group Three sprint on February 11 ahead of one of the sprints on World Cup night.
“Forgotten Voice has been gelded and has taken a little bit longer to get over the operation than we anticipated. The weather has also held his preparations up a little bit over the last three weeks.
“His programme is slightly up in the air at present and we will see how he settles and works in Dubai before deciding when he first runs out there.”
Stoic has won his last three, with Leahurst winning two of his last three, and both would look ideal candidates for the valuable handicap events.
Noseda added: “Leahurst will run, touch wood, on the opening night in a seven-furlong rated handicap on Tapeta.
“He is in good order and I do feel he has the ideal profile for a Carnival contender.
“Stoic has been gelded since completing his three-timer. He is fit and well with his preparations having gone to plan. He is scheduled to run in a mile rated handicap on February 4.
“Once again, I feel he has the right profile for what you need for a Carnival horse.
“Awinnersgame is ready to go and will run in a seven-furlong rated handicap on either February 4 or 5.
“He was possibly a ‘twilight’ horse here in that he is not quite good enough at stakes level but still plenty high in the handicap.
“Hopefully the races in Dubai will suit him well because he will be running against horses with a similar profile.”
