Christophe Soumillion rides Zahee
The highly regarded Zahee is set to contest the Nova Stakes over 1200m on turf with Christophe Soumillon at the helm.
Zahee drops way back in distance after running on for second in an 1800m handicap last time but this, said Mike, should be of no concern to his supporters.
“It may seem crazy to drop him so far back in distance, but Zahee has a massive amount of pace and he won’t be disgraced against the these sprinters, he won over 1100m and 1200m in Australia as a young horse and he’s very well. He could be a good value Place bet.”
Race 1: Handicap over 1600m on dirt
El Estruendoso (Soumillon)
“His rating has dropped a bit now, but probably not enough and this is the last roll of the dice for El Estruendoso, we’ll be fitting him with blinkers and a tongue-tie.”
Race 3: Handicap over 1400m on dirt
Royal Ridge (Hanagan) showed pace last week over a mile, he had to race wide however and faded out over the last 300m. At the shorter he must have place prospects.
Race 4: Nova Stakes over 1200m on turf
Zahee (Soumillon); Fountain Of Youth) (O’Neill)
“Fountain Of Youth was slow into stride last week and then got trapped behind others in the straight and had to switch. With some luck he may have finished in the money. He’s doing nicely and should run well.” (Zahee discussed above).
Race 6: Gr 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, 2810m on turf
Almoonqith (Hanagan) and Star Empire (Soumillon)
“Almoonqith has been in good form this term up to 2000m and we’re putting him over ground now, trying the 2810m. On pedigree he should see it out, he’s by Dynaformer and I believe he will enjoy the journey and make the frame; has a first-four chance. Star Empire hasn’t been running to the level of previous carnivals, his age is starting to show.”
Race 7: Handicap over 2000m on turf
Mujaarib (O’Neill) and Atomic Rush (Soumillon)
“We’ve got Mujaarib as fit as we can have him for this race, he is well and has improved with every run this season. Atomic Rush is a horse I really like. He hasn’t had the best of preps for this race, we’ve had one or two problems with him and not enough training time, but he shows ability and should run a good race, we’re looking forward to see him in action.”
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