Dubai option for Ouija team

Lord Derby has nominated a possible campaign in Dubai as a target for Ouija Board should the world-beating filly be kept in training next year.

The dual Oaks winner looked better than ever when weaving through the pack to land the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase by two and three-quarters lengths on Sunday, having finished an unlucky fifth in the Japan Cup two weeks previously.

“She has done everything – won on three continents and four countries and put up very credible performances in Japan and France as well,” the owner told At The Races.

“Dubai is about the only place she hasn’t been to yet and there is quite a temptation to see her there, but we need to work out if she can get a break first and come back for it.

“Phoenix Reach ran in the Japan Cup last year before winning the Hong Kong Vase and he went on to win the Sheema Classic in Dubai.”

When asked if the four-year-old would stay in training, Derby said: “It is too early to confirm, but all along this great filly has dictated the next step.

“Fate has played a hand too and I am sure her Breeders’ Cup success last year was down to her missing the race at York because of the soft ground.”

Ouija Board made a late start to 2005 and did not reappear until the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot at York when she picked up an injury.

That kept Ed Dunlop’s charge off the track until September when she returned with a Group Three success at Newmarket before failing by a length and a quarter to land back-to-back renewals of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

“All of her injury troubles this year have left her ready for an autumn campaign,” Derby continued.

“A week ago I would have said there was no question of her being kept in training, but after that emphatic victory it would be silly not to rule it out as I recognise I will probably not have another horse like this again.

“The fairytale does go on – she has had a tricky time this year, but we have kept faith in her and she is just amazing.

“I am thrilled for her that she is a Group One winner at four, and boy, in what style did she do it.”

However, Derby is eager to have Ouija Board covered at stud.

He added: “My brother, Peter Stanley, who manages the stud, and I have had many conversations about this and things were different a week ago, but it was about 90 per cent certain she would go to Sadler’s Wells.

“He is getting older – we realise he won’t be there forever and he would be an obvious marriage.

“It may well be that is what happens right now but there is still the temptation of going on for a race or two.”