Can Dakota strike gold again? Key quotes and pointers for the Dubai World Trophy

1.45 NewburyDubai International Airport World Trophy (Group 3) | 5f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Had things gone differently we would be seeing Dakota Gold at Ayr on Saturday in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup. Yet, such has been his improvement this season, a step up in grade here at Newbury was the best option for him.

Trainer Michael Dods has had his fair share of talented sprinters in the past few seasons, but the rate and manner of the improvement shown by Dakota Gold has been striking.

RARE RUNNER

Trainer Michael Dods has had only three runners at Newbury in the past five years (no wins). He saddles Dakota Gold.

The five-year-old, who is co-owned by Doug Graham and Ian Davison, tackles Group company for the first time as he bids for a fifth successive victory, and Dods is eager to see what he can do.

He said: "He’s improved all season. They’ve put plenty of water on at Newbury and we feel he deserves to take his chance in a race like this. It’s a step up, but we’re looking forward to running him."

Griffiths counts on break to aid Ornate challenge

David Griffiths is hoping a bit of rest and relaxation can help spur Ornate back into top form after the six-year-old failed to fire at Beverley last time.

Ornate has already bagged the Dash at Epsom and two other contests for his owners, the Kings Road Racing Partnership, this year, while Griffiths is no stranger to success in this race after saddling Take Cover to win as a ten-year-old in 2017.

Ornate holds on to win the Investec Dash for David GriffithsCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Griffiths said: "He's had a cracking year but we were slightly disappointed at Beverley. We probably made a mistake in taking him to the Stewards' Cup after his good run in the King George, but we've given him three weeks to freshen up and we think he's back to how he was. He is fresh, happy and ready to go.

"Hopefully the ground is good to firm, which will suit us, but I wouldn't say it's the most competitive Group 3 I've ever seen so I'd like to think we go with a lively each-way chance."

Equilateral and Moore chase further success together

Equilateral bids to add this Group 3 prize to his stylish success in the Listed Scarbrough Stakes at Doncaster last week.

Trained by Charlie Hills for Khalid Abdullah, Equilateral is once again partnered by Ryan Moore, who has a record of two wins and two fourths from four rides on the four-year-old.

Hills said: "We were delighted that he won last week and he's come out of the race really well. We've kept him nice and fresh and I hope he ran run a big race as we've always liked him."

What the rest say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Keystroke
It's his first try over five furlongs and he’s got a Group 3 penalty to carry from his Abernant win. He’s in good order, we’re very much looking forward to the race with him and the horses are running well at the moment.

Darren Bunyan, trainer of Hit The Bid
He came out of his run at the Curragh last weekend very well. Nothing went right for him on the day and while this looks very competitive, we're going there with plenty of confidence.

Steve Brown, husband of Julie Camacho, trainer of Judicial
He’s got a bit to prove at the track, especially as he seems to have courses that he favours, albeit he’s not had the best luck in this race. He’s in good form and coming into the race off the back of his best performance of the season, so we’re hopeful he can run very well.

Eric Alston, trainer of Maid In India
She had a bruised foot when she ran at Ayr last time, so that explains that run. She’s in good form but I could’ve really done with some rain for her as she loves a bit of cut. There aren’t many more opportunities for her so we’ll give it a go.

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