Duff bids for Dubai ticket

Duff warms up for a potential shot at the Dubai Golden Shaheen in Lingfield’s Bet Multiples – Betdaq Cleves Stakes on Saturday.

The Irish raider won another Listed race over the same six furlongs at the track in November and continued his good run in an event at Kempton in mid-December.

Edward Lynam brings him back to Surrey and has again recruited the services of top rider Kevin Manning, who comes over especially.

“This has been the plan ever since Christmas – we have just freshened him up a bit and brought him over on Thursday night,” said Lynam.

“How he runs here will decide if we go to Dubai. We are in for a spot in the big race on World Cup night.

“He seems to be well. He has done a few bits of work although we have not drilled him yet.

“There seems to be another progressive horse (Matsunosuke) and he would look to be the one to beat.”

Scobie Coogan’s Matsunosuke has been in rare old form on the all-weather and is a multiple winner at the track, although he tends to do better over five furlongs.

Marco Botti’s Ceremonial Jade adds to an interesting event, with Smarten Die making the trip over from Germany.