$1 million Al Quoz Sprint: Sole Power may outgun Hong Kong raiders

The joint-largest field of the day will see 16 speedsters frantically hurtling down the straight 1000m turf track in the ultra competitive $1 million Al Quoz Sprint, empowered by IPIC.

Joy And Fun in 2010 and Amber Sky (AUS) last year have won this for Hong Kong and the latter is back to defend his crown, with Ryan Moore taking over in the saddle from Joao Moreira.

“Everything has gone well and we are happy with him,” said trainer Ricky Yiu. “We know he likes it here and expect a big run.”

Moreira rides Bundle Of Joy (AUS) for David Hall, who said: “We kept him in the quarantine area for a few days when he arrived which was always the plan.

“He went nicely on the track on Thursday and we are happy with him.”

Peniaphobia (IRE) completes a really strong Hong Kong team in the race with Doug Whyte riding for Tony Cruz.

“He worked very well on the turf the other day and we expect him to be very competitive on Saturday,” said the legendary trainer.

Charlie Appleby trains Ahtoug (GB), second in this race last year and narrowly denied over course and distance on Super Saturday.

“These are his optimum conditions,” said Appleby. “Obviously it is a strong race but he should be thereabouts.”

He was beaten a few weeks ago by Sir Maximilian (IRE), a first UAE winner for British-based Ian Williams and produced to lead right on the line by Kieren Fallon.

“He did his last serious gallop last Sunday,” said Williams. “He worked well and it is exciting to have a runner on Dubai World Cup night.”

Ahtoug actually led momentarily in that race three weeks ago, having headed Caspar Netscher (GB) yards from the line.

Andrew Mullen rides the latter for David Simcock who said: “That was a great run reverting to sprinting with him and he has done well since."

“His last gallop was a good one and we are very happy with him.”

One horse who enjoyed no luck in the Super Saturday contest was Sole Power (GB) who will be contesting Saturday’s race for the fifth consecutive year.

Second in 2012, this multiple Group 1 winner can certainly not be ruled out, assuming the gaps appear for him and Richard Hughes in the closing stages.

“We have been very pleased with his preparation,” said his trainer Eddie Lynam. “We all know he is more than capable of a big run but his style of running does often mean we need a bit of luck.”
 

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