Sulamani to tackle Dubai Sheema Classic

Godolphin’s expensive purchase Sulamani will tackle the Dubai Sheema Classic at Saturday’s prestigious Emirates Dubai World Cup meeting, it was confirmed today.

The ex-French middle-distance performer had been due to run in the feature event but his apparent preference for racing on a turf surface has led to connections taking a change of heart.

Godolphin’s number one jockey Frankie Dettori will now, as widely predicted, ride Moon Ballad in the World Cup with Jamie Spencer taking the ride on Grandera.

Sulamani completed his build-up to the weekend by cantering over five furlongs under Dettori at Godolphin’s Al Quoz base early this morning.

“We just feel that he is a better horse on turf, it is the sensible thing to stick to what we know he acts on,” explained racing manager Simon Crisford.

“He was a very exciting horse last year but we haven’t thought about a programme for him. It is very much one race at a time.”

Crisford shrugged off suggestions that Grandera might be at a disadvantage under the unfamiliar guidance of a new jockey.

“Obviously he did look like a bit of a tricky ride earlier in his career and he still has his playful moments now,” he said.

“But that is all it is. He has grown up a lot recently and he is perfectly straightforward.”