Two of the higher-profile horses listed for the Dubai World Cup Carnival have arrived safely and soundly in the UAE, according to their new conditioner, Doug Watson.
Classics candidate and eye-catching 1800m Keeneland 2-year-old winner Liam’s Legend and multiple Gr2 winner Quip (pictured below) are currently at Meydan after clearing quarantine and will soon head over to Watson’s Red Stables to begin serious training.
“We started tack-walking them on Monday and after Christmas, we’ll take them out and jog them at Red Stables,” Watson said. “They looked great and seemed to have travelled really well. In about five more days, they’ll start their training, but they have been jogging a little around the quarantine.”
A private purchase by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Gr1-placed Quip (by Distorted Humor) landed the 2019 Gr2 Oaklawn Handicap and was subsequently a good second in the Gr2 Stephen Foster Stakes.
Liam’s Legend has made just two starts, but the 2-year-old son of Liam’s Map impressed new owner Khalid bin Mishref enough for him to shell out $325,000 for the grey colt at Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Both were previously trained by one of America’s ascending conditioners, Rodolphe Brisset.
Quip is possible to make the $450,000 Gr2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round on 7 February or $200,000 Gr3 Firebreak Stakes on 1 February.
Liam’s Legend is naturally pointing toward the $4.3 million 3-year-old programme at Meydan, with a possible launch in the $250,000 Gr3 UAE 2000 Guineas on 6 February.
