Newmarket, England: The German-bred Kassiano, racing in the silks of Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, has shot up the handicappers’ lists this winter and he could be a seriously interesting runner in the $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup (G1).
He is still an improving runner and has never finished worse than third in his short career. In fact, this four-year-old son of Soldier Hollow can already be seen as close to Hunter’s Light in ability.
True, he was beaten by almost three lengths by Hunter’s Light when they ran first and second in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three (G1) on Super Saturday but, while Hunter’s Light enjoyed a perfect trip, Kassiano had anything but. He did really well to finish as close as he did, and it was an excellent effort by a horse who had won three handicaps at Meydan earlier in the season.
Kassiano, ridden by William Buick for the occasion, had stall 12 for the race and Buick wisely tucked him in at the rear of the field. Going forward, and getting hung wide, would not have been too clever. Kassiano advanced gradually and, rounding the home turn, was seen travelling quite well a few lengths behind the leaders.
He was racing quite close to the rail and saved ground but, when he was looking for a way to attack in the straight, his path was blocked. Buick had to snatch him up and alter his course. Kassiano lost momentum, though not interest. He picked up again and stayed on best of all in the closing stages to beat Prince Bishop by a quarter of a length for second. The first three home were all trained by Saeed Bin Surour.
There is reason to believe that Kassiano can improve again and he will be better served by a strong pace in the World Cup. He was forced to wait at the back, as Hunter’s Light had a handy position just behind the leaders. If Hunter’s Light has a major chance in the World Cup, well then Kassiano must also have a chance.
A winner over 2,000 metres and 2,200 metres (twice) in January and February, he is a thoroughly likeable performer who always finishes his races off well. He beat Con Artist (who won next time out) on his seasonal debut, then he beat Royal Empire (who had run second to Mushreq on his previous start) and on February 28
Kassiano outclassed Fattsota (twice a winner at Ascot last year) to win by six-and-a-half lengths. That was just nine days before his good run on Super Saturday. Not only is he lightly raced and talented, Kassiano is tough also. Do not underestimate him.
Kassiano’s sire, Soldier Hollow, won 12 races and was a classy middle-distance performer for German trainer Peter Schiergen. Soldier Hollow’s high points came with wins in the Grosser Dfallymar Preis (G1), Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (G1) and Premio Roma (G1), which he won back-to-back in 2004 and 2005.
His dam, Kastila (Sternkonig), comes from the same family as Kallisto, winner of the Derby Italiano (G1) in 2000. Godolphin picked Kassiano up from an unlikely source last year, as they bought him at the Arqana October Sales for €160,000 (Dh756,813). However he fares in the World Cup, that must be called a very shrewd purchase.
— Geir Stabell is the publishing-editor of Newmarket-based Globeform
