Nayef on course for Cup

Marcus Tregoning reports Nayef to be in top form ahead of his tilt at the Emirates-sponsored Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba on March 29.

The five-year-old Gulch horse has not been seen on the track since winning the Juddmonte International Stakes at York last August.

Nayef missed his intended autumn engagements after contracting a low-grade respiratory problem but he has recovered from the problem and flew out to Dubai in November.

Tregoning also sent the progressive Mubtaker with Nayef and he is on course for a crack at the mile-and-a-half Dubai Sheema Classic, a race he won with Nayef last year.

“They are well on course I think. They are in good form and I’m hoping to get them there in the of best health,” he said.

Tregoning has been working Nayef on the dirt track in preparation for the mile and a quarter race and he seems to have taken well to the surface.

“I’ve got Ekraar back from Godolphin and he’s been doing a lot of work with Nayef,” the Kingswood House handler explained.

“Nayef’s taken to the dirt very well, much like he did last year and he’s in good form and I’m looking forward to the race.”

Tregoning is also pleased with the condition of Mubtaker, winner of the Stan James Geoffrey Freer Stakes last season, and he is hopeful of landing some good prizes with the six-year-old son of Silver Hawk.

“He stays in training and I think he’ll do really well this year,” Tregoning added.

Tregoning also has two more possible runners at the World Cup meeting in Bishr and Albareq.

Bishr, a four-year-old son of Royal Applause, won two moderate contests in this country last season but does not have a definite target in Dubai.

Albareq, a three-year-old Kingmambo colt, won a maiden as a juvenile last year and could now tackle the UAE Derby.

“Albareq could possibly go for the UAE Derby while Bishr I’m not quite sure where to go with,” he added.