Roy H vs Mind Your Biscuits Rematch Looms
There are always storylines in these great races, but few more intriguing than the impending collision course of reigning U.S. champion sprinter, Roy H, and last year’s defending winner of the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News (G1), Mind Your Biscuits. The former with tactical speed and a killer kick and the latter a deep closer with a proven affinity for the local dirt, the pair met in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) in November over Roy H’s home track, Del Mar.
Mind Your Biscuits, at a disadvantage with the short stretch and speedy nature of that course, could only manage a gaining third, with front-running Imperial Hint faltering late behind an impressive Roy H. This time, they run on a course over which he has a victory when dominant in last year’s 1200m event.
Roy H will be part of a two-pronged Rockingham Ranch regiment in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, as the Peter Miller-trained horse will be joined by Jorge Navarro-conditioned banner-mate X Y Jet, who was second as the favourite in this race in 2016.
Locally, Jordan Sport rode the rail in his dirt debut to a front-running victory in the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3), while being chased home by fellow speedster Yalta. Surprisingly, favourites My Catch and Comicas failed to factor. In 2012, Jordan Sport’s trainer Fawzi Nas pulled off the Mahab Al Shimaal-Dubai Golden Shaheen double with Krypton Factor.
Horses now considered unlikely are Takaful and Dios Corrida. Imperial Hint, always a longshot to make the race, has also opted out and will have to have his Roy H revenge date down the road.
Current Dubai Golden Shaheen Possibles (not necessarily invitees): Roy H, Mind Your Biscuits, X Y Jet, Matera Sky, D B Pin, My Catch, Comicas, Reynaldothewizard, Muarrab, Yalta
credit:DubaiRacingClub