English/Ire
Bin Suroor seeking record-equaling fifth Balanchine Stakes success
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor looks to hold a strong hand as he bids to claim a record-equaling fifth success in the Group 2 Balanchine Stakes at Meydan on Friday.
The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained duo of Dubai Beach and Dubai Treasure finished first and third respectively when battling out a thrilling finish to the Group 2 Cape Verdi last month and whilst both fillies need to prove their worth up in trip, the Newmarket-based handler couldn't be happier with their conditions heading into Friday's feature.
"Dubai Beach and Dubai Treasure came out of the Cape Verdi in good shape and have been working well," said bin Suroor, who has won this race four times. "
"It is a slightly different field compared to last time, and nine furlongs will be a new experience for both of my fillies. I am hoping that they can get nice and relaxed in the race again, which will give them the best chance of getting the trip."
Dubai Beach and Dubai Treasure will spearhead part of a three-pronged attack for team Godolphin, who also have the added bonus of the participation of Charlie Appleby's Blue Nazare.
Charlie Appleby needs no introduction when it comes to the Group 2 prize having already plundered it on a record five occasions and he too is hopeful of seeing a good performance from Blue Nazare, who looks to remain unbeaten following her impressive five and a half-length debut success at Yarmouth in October.
"Blue Nazare was impressive on her only start to date," said the trainer.
"She took her time to acclimatise to conditions out in Dubai but has come into herself recently. I don't foresee any issues with the step up in trip, although she is taking on some good fillies who have already run this winter."
Despite having a trio of Godolphin-owned fillies to take on, the Nicolas Caullery team are hopeful of seeing an improved performance from Riyabovka, who will be looking to build on a promising Dubai debut when fourth in the Cape Verdi.
She may have six lengths to find with the aforementioned pair of Dubai Beach and Dubai Treasure, but connections are hopeful that they can at least bridge the gap in a view to landing some valuable group-placed black-type ahead of her new career as a broodmare.
"She needed the race last time after the holidays, so she wasn't anywhere near 100% ready," said Marine Henry, who looks after Nicolas Caullery's Dubai operation.
"She has put on 25kg and did a lovely piece of work on the grass last Friday, she felt really good and she loves it here in Dubai.
"At home, she can be a bit of a character, but she is happy here. She does a lot of swimming and that seems to really help her.
"She has a good draw and Andrew (Slattery) knows her now, so we hope we can get some group level black type, we expect to see her run well.
"It is a similar level of opposition but there was no Charlie Appleby horse (Blue Nazare) last time, so we will have to see.
"The plan was to send her to be a broodmare after this, but she could have another run in France as she's doing so well."
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