Blanco on track in Dubai
Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore operation have not supported the meeting since 2005 but the sale of the majority of last year’s Irish Derby and Champion Stakes winner to Dr Jim Hay has seen an important change of direction.
O’Brien will not arrive until raceday and Cape Blanco had been in quarantine until he stepped onto the course under his big-race rider Jamie Spencer.
Just 7-2 with Coral, the chestnut son of Galileo looked a little sweaty as he emerged but after completing the circuit Spencer said: “He’s fine. That was just a little bit of work. He’s here and there are two days to go so let’s see how he gets on.
“I’m pleased with the draw (four). It’s where I’d want to be.”
Twice Over will have to overcome a wide draw in stall 12 of 14 if he is to justify favouritism.
The Khalid Abdullah-owned six-year-old came out of box 11 last year when finishing tenth behind Gloria De Campeao, who came from stall five. The first horse home from a double-figure draw was Mastery in fifth.
Putting a brave face on the outcome, Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Khalid Abdullah, said: “He won the Maktoum Challenge last time from a wide draw, so maybe it’s a good omen! It’s not the graveyard, but he has to be more lucky than normal.”
Buena Vista is drawn even wider than Twice Over in 13.
