Hori Brings the Big Guns
To say that the Japanese have brought quantity, as many as a possible 14 runners, into the $30 million Dubai World Cup card is correct. To add that they have brought quality could be an understatement. Such is underlined by the presence of Satono Crown and Neorelism for one of the country’s top trainers, Noriyuki Hori.
Satono Crown has been competing against the best horses in Asia for five seasons, dating back to his juvenile season in 2014. A two-time G1 winner, he took both last June’s Takarazuka Kinen (G1) and the preceding Hong Kong Cup (G1) impressively and won two consecutive editions of the Kyoto Kinen (G2) in 2016 and 2017, skipping it this year. The dark bay son of Marju looks to return to form after two consecutive poor results in the Japan Cup (G1) and Arima Kinen (G1) to end his 2017 season in the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1).
Stablemate Neorealism is one of the top horses coming into the $6 million Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (G1). A flashy chestnut, the 7-year-old took last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) in Hong Kong in fine style and was a good third in the Hong Kong Cup (G1) behind Time Warp. The last time he ran the 1800m of the Dubai Turf, he was beyond impressive annexing last February’s Nakayama Kinen (G2).
"Both Neorealism and Satono Crown have been back to my stable for a while and they are in good form,” Hori said. “All has (gone) as planned so far. I have been to Dubai for the Dubai World Cup meeting many times and have learned a lot from those experiences, so that I am now working hard to make the most of what I have got.
“I knew the (invites) from the Dubai Racing Club were coming, so I had already made a travel plan and I discussed the trip with the owners,” Hori continued. “(Satono Crown and Neorealism) definitely have chances. I am still organising the jockeys."
In 2016, Hori was a good second in the Dubai Sheema Classic with Duramente, who was beaten by Postponed.
Elsewhere, Godolphin’s Hawkbill confirmed that he will be a force with which to reckon in 2018, defeating stablemate Frontiersman in his seasonal bow in the Dubai City of Gold (G2) over 2400m, stamping his ticket to the Dubai Sheema Classic.
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, Al Sahem, Best Solution, Garlingari, Gold Star
Current Dubai Turf Possibles (not necessarily invitees): Vivlos, Real Steel, Benbatl, Lancaster Bomber, Deauville, Promising Run, Championship, Thunder Snow, War Decree, Janoobi, Furia Cruzada, Neorealism, Crocosmia, Deirdre, Trais Fluors
credit:DubaiRacingClub