Gitano set for World Cup bid

Marco Botti is looking forward to running Gitano Hernando in the Dubai World Cup following the four-year-old’s easy victory at Lingfield.

The son of Hernando, ridden by Kieren Fallon, romped home by four and a half lengths from Suits Me to confirm he will be a serious contender for the world’s richest race in four weeks’ time.

He was last seen winning a Grade One event at Santa Anita and his only defeat in his last six races was a narrow reverse in the Dee Stakes at Chester.

“I was delighted with his performance. It wasn’t the strongest field but he beat a useful horse (Suits Me) giving him 6lb,” said the Newmarket-based Italian trainer.

“As a prep race it couldn’t have gone any better. He picked up well, the time was good and he won nice and cosily without having Kieren forcing him and the horse pricked his ears.

“He will stay in England until probably a week before the Dubai World Cup. We will ship him there about six or seven days before the race.

“He loves it here and hopefully the weather will get a bit better in March and I’m sure he will come on a lot for the race. If he stays sound he should be 100% for the Dubai World Cup.

“I see him stronger than last year and more mature and he has definitely improved a lot.”