Royal Delta: Breeders' Cup winner is pointing towards Dubai World Cup
PICTURE: EquiSport Photos/Bud MortonRoyal Delta kicks off campaign at Gulfstream
Preview: USA, Saturday 8.49pm GMT
Gulfstream Park: Sabin Stakes (Grade 3) 1m½f, dirt, 4yo+ f/m
BREEDERS' Cup Ladies' Classic winner Royal Delta (Bill Mott/ Jose Lezcano) tunes up for the Dubai World Cup when she makes her four-year-old debut at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
Royal Delta was sold to Besilu Stables for an eye-watering $8.5 million four days after the Breeders' Cup.
Trainer Bill Mott, who won the inaugural running of the Dubai World Cup with the great Cigar, isn't predicting any fireworks as his champion filly takes on fellow Grade 1 winnerAwesome Maria in the Sabin Stakes.
"I think we're at a slight disadvantage at a mile-and-a-sixteenth," said Mott. "It's a short wire turning for home and I don't think it plays into our filly's style.
"I don't think that's her best race - she's a bit of a stretch runner. I don't think the conditions are the most ideal but we're running in the race that's available."
Royal Delta is a 12-1 chance for the Dubai World Cup with British bookmakers. "I'd like to see a good, solid effort in this race so we can look forward to Dubai," added Mott.
"She's doing really well - she's had a bit of a rest but her recent works have been good. She's showed she is willing to go long, willing to work, and she looks good doing it."
Last year's Sabin winner Awesome Maria (Todd Pletcher/John Velazquez) is running for the first time since June after an injury layoff.
Also on Saturday
Fair Grounds: Risen Star Stakes (Grade 2) 1m½f, dirt, 3yo
Todd Pletcher shuffles his Kentucky Derby pack as he sends Gulfstream allowance winner El Padrino (Javier Castellano) to New Orleans for this $300,000 Louisiana Derby prep.
Mr. Bowling (Larry Jones/Robby Albarado) heads the local division after taking the Lecomte Stakes on his most recent outing, when he just held the late rush of Z Dager (Steve Asmussen/Shane Sellers).
Santa Anita: San Carlos Stakes (Grade 2) 7f, dirt, 4yo+ (11.36pm GMT)
An exciting clash in prospect here as Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Amazombie (Bill Spawr/Miker Smith) faces off against dual Grade 1 winner The Factor (Bob Baffert/Martin Garcia).
Both are making their 2012 debuts but The Factor scored over course and distance in the Malibu on December 26. However, Mike Smith is raving about Amazombie's wellbeing.
"I know he's getting older, but man, he's just getting right," said the jockey. "I mean in November [for the Breeders' Cup], Bill had him really, really good. But from the looks of things, and you don't know it until they run, he seems to have gotten even better."
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