South Africa’s lone hope for victory at Saturday’s bumper Dubai World Cup racemeeting, dual Gr1 winner Isivunguvungu is no 14-1 shot in which Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech says is a ‘wide open’ Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint.
A relaxed Isivunguvungu in action at Meydan on Thursday (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Speaking to the Sporting Post shortly before he jetted out on Thursday afternoon, Delpech, who rode Hong Kong powerhouse Vengeance Of Rain to victory for David Ferraris at 20-1 in the 2007 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Dubai World Cup night eighteen years ago, said that the convergence of international form-lines made for interesting racing.
“We just need a bit of luck on the day. We don’t know much about the opposition, but with respect there are no standouts in the race. The two Japanese horses haven’t even run at Gr1 level. Then we couldn’t ask for a more experienced jockey than Christophe Soumillon. And trainer Graham Motion is a Dubai World Cup winning trainer. Believe me it’s open,” enthused the former champion rider.
Relive Delpech’s win on Vengeance Of Rain:
South African success on World Cup night is nothing new, but due to quarantine restrictions one must go back to 2015 and Mubtaahij, trained by Mike De Kock, for our last success on Dubai World Cup night.
The Al Quoz is not virgin territory for SA bred sprinters. JJ The Jet Plane won it in 2009 and 2011 – for Mike de Kock and Lucky Houdalakis respectively. De Kock went on to win it with Shea Shea in 2013.
The Al Quoz Sprint is run over 1200m for a stake of $1,500,000 USD and is run under set-weight conditions. Isivunguvungu has drawn 7 of 11 runners.
South African punters can enjoy the stride-by-stride action on Gallop TV and will get a first chance to enjoy the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge at Meydan.
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