Benbatl camp eye European campaign
Godolphin star to sit out Dubai and Saudi options.
Benbatl will miss both the Dubai Carnival and Saudi Cup this year, in favour of a European campaign. The Godolphin star had been favourite for this year’s Dubai World Cup, having proved his effectiveness on dirt last season with a win in the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge and when third in the Saudi Cup. The son of Dubawi is now a seven-year-old entire – but as yet there are no plans to send him to stud. He is a winner of 10 of his 22 races, including Group Ones in Australia, Germany and Dubai – and the aim appears to be to add a top-level victory in the UK to his CV. “Benbatl will not run in Dubai or Saudi Arabia this year – we’ll keep him for a European campaign and look to get him out in May,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor. “He’s still a good horse, but this year we are looking for better results from him. Last year didn’t go his way – the ground never seemed right, (and) there is no point running him on soft. “He’s not going to stud just yet, anyway. We’ve got him for this year, then we’ll keep options open. “Everything over a mile, nine furlongs and a mile and a quarter is suitable for him, that’s what we think.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Gregarina makes her mark in Athasi debut
Joseph O’Brien’s French import could be seen at Royal Ascot.
-
Stripes earns his Irish Guineas ticket
Tetrarch Stakes winner will be back at the Curragh later this month.
-
City Of Troy staying on Derby path, says O’Brien
‘That’s the pattern he was going and that’s the way he’ll go’.
-
Whistlejacket upholds family honour to secure Royal Ascot ticket
Little Big Bear’s brother impresses at the Curragh.
-
French Derby target for Guineas fourth Ghostwriter
Clive Cox-trained colt promises to improve again at 10 furlongs.
-
French trip planned to put Chorister on song for Gold Cup
David Menuisier wants one more outing for his charge before Royal Ascot.
-
Hannon keen to head to the Curragh with Guineas duo
Newmarket-placed Rosallion and Haatem on course for Irish equivalent next.
-
O’Brien so close to joining elite list as Porta Fortuna just denied
The 25-year-old won British Classics as a jockey and came within a whisker of first as a trainer.