'Dirt shouldn't trouble Dubai Warrior' - Gosden targets Maktoum Challenge
The John Gosden-trained Dubai Warrior, a classy all-weather performer, is to fly out to Dubai in the coming days for an ambitious tilt at the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 at Meydan on January 21
Last year's Group 3 Winter Derby winner will be heading into unknown territory as the Group 2 contest, run over a mile, is staged on dirt.
Although he has no experience of dirt, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum's Dubai Warrior has won six of his eight starts on the all-weather, most notably when overcoming stablemate Court House to land the Winter Derby last February.
Watch Dubai Warrior win the Churchill Stakes
This winter, Dubai Warrior was earmarked for a tilt at the Saudi Cup in Riyadh in February after winning the Listed Churchill Stakes at Lingfield in November, and that race could still be on his agenda.
Gosden said: "Dubai Warrior worked nicely on the Al Bahathri Polytrack on Saturday morning and the plan is for him to fly out to Meydan on Thursday.
"Round 1 of the Maktoum Challenge is staged on dirt, which will be new to him but there's no reason why he shouldn't handle it."
Following his victory in the Churchill Stakes, Dubai Warrior was last seen finishing third when failing by a neck to give 3lb to Sangarius in the Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield last month.
The winner also holds an entry in the $20 million Saudi Cup, the second running of which is to be staged on February 20.
Read more if you were interested in this . . .
Fantastic Frankie gets his fractions right aboard Dubai Warrior
Dubai World Cup latest big event to be cancelled due to coronavirus crisis
Benbatl shines on dirt debut to open up World Cup night options for Godolphin
Gosden left feeling 'exceptionally let down' after Royal Line disqualification
Gosden and Dettori hail 'extraordinary' Enable after wondermare is retired
Prepare for races like never before with the amazing Pro Card feature. View all of our exclusive Members’ Club content directly on our comprehensive racecards. Go pro and join Members’ Club Ultimate now!
Published on 10 January 2021inNews
Last updated 17:32, 10 January 2021
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Kieran Shoemark lands another plum Meydan ride for Gosden stable on Trawlerman in Saturday's Dubai Gold Cup
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Kieran Shoemark lands another plum Meydan ride for Gosden stable on Trawlerman in Saturday's Dubai Gold Cup