To Dubai or Newcastle? Big targets await My Oberon after perfect return win
Sunday: Southwell
A decision between the riches of Dubai or a day at Newcastle awaits William Haggas after the classy My Oberon returned with a hard-fought victory in the All-Weather Championships fast-track qualifier over a mile.
The five-year-old landed the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket before finishing a close third in the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan last season, and his class prevailed as he defied a 5lb penalty with a half-length success under Tom Marquand.
The trainer said: "He was a bit rusty, but he put his head down well right at the end. He may be a horse who goes well fresh, so I'll have to do that for his next start. He won't want a lot of training from now on. It's nourishment not punishment for him."
A tilt at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan next month could await My Oberon, although Haggas stressed the All-Weather Championships finals day is a more realistic target.
"He needs to get invited [to Dubai]. He didn't get one for Saudi Arabia, so he's not a certainty to go," he added. "If he doesn't get into Dubai, Newcastle will certainly be on the agenda."
Ryan on a roll
Rossa Ryan continued his fine form and righted the wrongs of defeat on Chase The Dollar last time as the pair cruised to an effortless success in the 1m6f handicap to give the jockey a fourth winner in the space of three days.
Corbett's Star turn
Susan Corbett's red-hot run rolled on as Star Dreamer landed the 1m4f selling handicap, which gave the trainer a third winner from her last four runners.
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