Dubai : The first running of the $1million (Dh3.68 million) Al Quoz Sprint (Gr 3), the newest addition to the prestigious Dubai World Cup card, promises to be the first of many East versus West battles that are likely to unfold today at the iconic Meydan racecourse.
California Flag, breathtaking winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint on Santa Anita's pro-ride surface in November, should go to post as the favourite, with Godolphin's Sirocco Breeze and English-trained War Artist as his most likely challengers.
Trained by Brian Koriner in America, California Flag was last seen finishing a close fifth behind Sacred Kingdom in the Hong Kong Sprint (Gr 1) at Sha Tin in December. He is a horse with plenty of front-running speed and will be suited by the straight six furlongs on turf.
Long shots
Sirocco Breeze, the choice of stable jockey Frankie Dettori, looks the pick of the three Godolphin runners. And although Asset (Ted Durcan) and Fravashi (Ahmad Ajtebi) are considered long shots, they are worth keeping an eye on.
Sirocco Breeze demolished his opponents to capture Leg Two of the Meydan Masters, the Meydan Museum Handicap, over seven furlongs on Tapeta on March 5 and is seen as an improving horse by his trainer Saeed Bin Surour.
He drops back to six furlongs for the first time in his career but that does not bother Bin Surour who says the horse has a "great chance".
However, Dettori is aware of the task he faces and said: "This is a big step up in class for Sirocco Breeze. It looks a very tough race but I am riding an improving horse who has done well this year."
The connections of Carnival runaway winner War Artist, who opted to run in this race instead of the richer $2million Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr 1), are hopeful of a big run from the Australian-bred seven year old.
War Artist earned his ticket to the Al Quoz by running a blinder in the Al Shindagha Sprint (Group 3) on the Tapeta last month and his trainer James Eustace reports that the horse is in top condition going into the 1,200 metre contest.
Pay cheque
"The turf is his preferred surface so we decided to go for this race although a bigger pay cheque awaits in the Golden Shaheen," he said.
"He would have a much better chance on the turf."
War Artist was well beaten fifth behind Desert Party in the Mahab Al Shimaal (Gr 3) on Super Thursday but his jockey Olivier Peslier is confident be will improve for the run.
"He ran very well on Arc day last year and was impressive first time in Dubai," said the big-race French jockey.
"He is far better than his last run and I am hopeful."
South African Champion sprinter Our Giant, who is jointly owned by former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff, is reported to be "coming along nicely" by his rider Kevin Shea while trainer Marcus Tregoning believes Finjaan will be competitive.
Aussie speedster All Silent and New Zealand's Joy And Fun are likely to be well supported as well.
"The horse is so versatile and very tough. It was a good run last time and he has form in Group 1 company on [Dubai] World Cup night so we know he does not lack quality."
- Trainer Rashed Bouresly on Star Crowned.
"He's a really nice horse I'm really excited about seeing him run at such a prestigious event. Obviously it's going to be a very competitive race, but I'm hoping he'll be at the top of his game and give us something to shout about.
- Andrew Flintoff, former England cricketer
East battles west
American raider California Flag tipped as favourite but Godolphin's Sirocco Breeze could offer stiff competition
GN Selections: 1. California Flag. 2. War Artist. 3. Sirocco Breeze. Upset: Asset
