Al Thakhira will take beating in Dubai Duty Free
The Dubawi filly could not handle the lightning quick conditions at Santa Anita and finished tailed-off last behind Chriselliam in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
However, the ground at Newbury is certain to be on the easy side as Al Thakhira bids to prove herself a Classic prospect.
She had won her previous starts, including the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket, in the style of a smart filly and has been pleasing her trainer in her work ahead of the seven-furlong contest, registered as the Fred Darling Stakes.
“At least the ground is not going to be fast, so that should be in her favour,” said Botti. “She worked well at the weekend and is in good form ready to start.
“Last year she was impressive in the Rockfel. On that form she should have a good chance.”
The Lady Cecil-trained Joyeuse has a point to prove after falling below expectations when only sixth of seven to Vorda in the Cheveley Park Stakes on her last start of 2013.
The half-sister to Frankel had earned her place in that Group 1 by finishing third in Royal Ascot’s Albany Stakes and winning the Listed Dick Poole Stakes.
“She’s had a straightforward winter and preparation,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, the racing manager to Khalid Abdullah.
“She was a little disappointing in the Cheveley Park, but she has developed well over the winter and this is what trials are all about. We are very happy with her.”
