Garlingari Gets Green Light
Over the European classic distance of 2400m on turf, it is no surprise that contenders from said continent loom large in the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at this stage.
France’s Garlingari is the latest to join the bunch. A two-time G2 winner, he has improved with age for breeder-owner-trainer Corine Barande-Barbe, the same horsewoman who crafted the great career of Cirrus des Aigles. Recovering from his ninth two back in the Hong Kong Cup (G1), the 7-year-old son of Linngar outclassed foes on February 24th in Listed company and will now prep in the Prix Exbury (G3) on March 17th before heading to Dubai to compete in the same race Cirrus des Aigles won in 2012 and was second in 2014.
Godolphin’s Cloth of Stars, the highest-rated expected starter, had his final prep when second to Andre Fabre-trained stablemate Talismanic in the Prix Darshaan over 1900m on Chantilly’s all-weather track on Tuesday. The son of Sea the Stars was a Group 1 winner last year and earned his lofty 125 rating when second to Enable in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1). Still, he has to prove he can be a decisive winner against the highest point of the G1 range.
Godolphin has backup in the form of Charlie Appleby-conditioned 2016 Coral-Eclipse (G1) winner Hawkbill, who returns on Super Saturday at Meydan as the likely favourite in the Dubai Sheema Classic’s course and distance prep, the $250,000 Dubai City of Gold (G2). A trio of G1-placed foes appear the dangers, including brilliantly bred G1-placed 5-year-old Frontiersman, a son of Dubawi and wonder-mare Ouija Board, talented upstart Called to the Bar and impressive last-out Carnival winner Best Solution.
Japan looks very tough this year, with freshly crowned 2017 champion 3-year-old Rey de Oro and multiple G1 winner Satono Crown being joined by improving mare Mozu Katchan as pointing toward the race. While Satono Crown, 6, has been a mainstay at the top level of east Asian racing for four consecutive years, Mozu Katchan is on the rise and displayed top form when taking the 2200m Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) in November, Japan’s top race for fillies and mares.
As is the way of the G1 racing world, all eyes will await who shows up for the powerful Ballydoyle operation of Aidan O’Brien. The conditioner of a world record 28 G1 events in 2017 has a plethora of options, but the most likely at this point could be Idaho, already a well-versed tourist. The dual Derby-placed full-brother to seven-time G1 winner Highland Reel could be joined by a couple others from his yard, including all-weather enthusiast Clear Skies.
Current Longines Dubai Sheema Classic possibles (not necessarily invitees): Cloth of Stars, Satono Crown, Hawkbill, Rey de Oro, Idaho, Mozu Katchan, Clear Skies, Frontiersman, Called to the Bar, Best Solution
Unedited Press Release: Dubai Racing Club