O’Brien team ready for World bid
The master of Ballydoyle is due to arrive this evening, but his team were still in action with Dubai World Cup favourite So You Think enjoying a gentle leg-stretch along with his stablemates.
O’Brien’s team had some light exercise, including Treasure Beach who was partnered by Jamie Spencer ahead of his Dubai Sheema Classic bid.
The rider said: “He just did a gentle canter. They are all fit and well and Aidan is happy with them. I’m looking forward to the night and it is a great concept.”
Marco Botti has arrived to supervise the finishing touches to his runners and World Cup runner Planteur was one of those to strut his stuff.
He had his first sight of the track, with the five-year-old making his debut for Botti after previously being trained by Elie Lellouche.
“He did a lap round the course and seemed happy in his surroundings,” said Botti.
Meanwhile, Bob Baffert has been released from hospital in Dubai, just four days after suffering a heart attack.
The well-known American trainer, 59, is in Dubai preparing Game On Dude for tomorrow’s World Cup, but had to be rushed for medical treatment in the early hours of Monday morning.
Baffert had two stents inserted into his arteries but has made significant progress over the last few days and has now been released from medical care.
He tweeted: “Just released from hospital. Going to my hotel and relax with my family. Glad to be out.”
Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby three times and has twice been victorious in the Dubai World Cup with Silver Charm (1998) and Captain Steve (2001).
