Green light for Big Orange after Gold Cup hero sparkles in morning workout

A crucial morning workout on Thursday played a key part in determining the participation of star stayer Big Orange in the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.

The Michael Bell-trained Ascot Gold Cup hero strode out with verve and purpose, showing no ill effects in exercise or the aftermath following a setfast setback – a muscle imbalance post exercise – on Monday.

Big Orange, the mount of Frankie Dettori, is a best-price 15-2 with Betfair Sportsbook to win the Group 2, in which he has finished second and fourth in the last two years.

Bill Gredley, who owns the seven-year-old with son Tim, said: “I’m excited as for the first time in a long time he’s got his preferred quick ground. He was a bit setfast in the week and we’ve had that hanging over us, but he was super out on the track this morning.

“He’s up against some top quality horses, and there are lots of them too in a big field. I’ll be happy if he can get in the shake-up.”

Gredley enjoyed many great days with 1992 Arc runner-up User Friendly, who he described as “exceptionally good”. He reserved significant praise for Big Orange too.

Gredley said: “I wouldn’t say he’s a freak but he’s my big lanky son who runs a four-minute mile. He stands out. Other horses have won the Gold Cup, but there seems to be a particular attachment to Big Orange.

“People see him a lot as he runs in the top races and he’s been around for a while, which gives them time to get to know him, whereas the Classic horses are around at two and three and then they’re gone.”

The setfast issues have provided a headache for Bell, who arrived on Wednesday, and he praised travelling head groom Gill Dolman, who has worked for the Newmarket trainer for 26 years.

Bell said: “I was delighted with his work this morning and we’re very happy with him – he’s shown no signs of setfast after it. It’s stressful anyway having runners in big races, but it builds up even more when you’ve got issues that you're not in control of and when you’re not there.

“We’re very lucky that Gill is very experienced and has been with him all around the world and we knew he was in safe hands, but it’s still nice to be here and see things first hand.”

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