Range of options open for Felix after fine Dubai Turf effort
Botti-trained gelding rewarded connections with third place behind Lord North at Meydan.
Felix could do more globetrotting in search of the good prize-money after picking up GBP 291,000 for finishing third in the Dubai Turf at Meydan on Saturday. Connections made the bold bid of accepting an invitation for the Group One over nine furlongs rather than go for the all-weather middle-distance championship final at Lingfield on Good Friday. They were rewarded as Felix took minor honours behind Lord North, in what was a rare outing on turf for the Lope De Vega gelding. “It was brilliant. We were thrilled with that performance. It was a brave decision from the owner,” said Botti. “When he finished second in the Winter Derby the next day we got an invitation and he said he could be unlucky in the all-weather final so we should take it and it paid off. “He ran a fantastic race. He had a wide draw, but Oisin (Murphy) dropped him in and he finished really strongly.“It opens up more options for the future. Until yesterday, we campaigned the horse on the all-weather. That’s the way it panned out, but after Saturday knowing he handled the turf so well it opens up more options for the future. “Talking to Mr Sohi, we decided it is probably sensible to bring him back to England and give him a bit of a break, freshen him up and regroup in a month’s time and see where we go next. He deserves a holiday. “After picking up decent prize-money he deserves to have an easy time.” He added: “He’s a gelding so those international races are very good prize-money and it makes sense to target them. We’re not ruling out running him here, but being a gelding it makes sense to go for big pots.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.