Godolphin’s France-based Rosa Imperial is one of three under the blue banner for iconic French conditioner Andre Fabre to arrive on the grounds at Meydan. Looking well within herself and unbothered by the trek from Chantilly, the daughter of Pivotal went out to the main track with fan favourite Talismanic at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday and appeared in proper order with an easy gallop.
Last out, in Chantilly’s Prix Anabaa over 1300m on the all-weather, the 5-year-old homebred was out-finished by City Light to lose by less than a length under regular rider Mickael Barzalona. The run was her first since finishing ninth of 13 in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) over the same distance behind fellow $1 million Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Azizi Developments (G1) possible Brando in August. She won her first three starts before that, including the Prix de Ris-Orangis (G3) over the 1200m, the distance of the Al Quoz Sprint.
“We are delighted with Rosa Imperial’s run,” said Lisa-Jane Graffard, racing representative for Darley and Godolphin in France. “She showed a nice turn-of-foot. She’ll appreciate a faster pace, as well. She is a talented filly with more to come and my only concern for the Al Quoz Sprint would be lightning-fast ground, but the turf course is usually excellent in all conditions, so she should be fine. It’s a very tough race this year – it just keeps getting better and better.”
Fellow Godolphin runner Jungle Cat proved he is even better this year with a decisive victory in the course and distance prep for the Al Quoz Sprint, the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday. Favourite Ertijaal held on for second and was not strained in the final furlong, as his ticket to the Al Quoz Sprint was punched when taking the 1000m Meydan Sprint (G2) two weeks prior.
Meanwhile, the yard of David and Ben Hayes confirmed that Australian sprinter Faatinah, a Dubai World Cup Carnival winner, has accepted his invite and will run in the big event. Countrymates Music Magnate and Illustrious Lad are confirmed for the race, as well, with the former arriving Wednesday the 20th and the latter a day later.
Decisions at this juncture prove strategically intriguing, as the connections of Washington DC, Intelligence Cross, Declarationofpeace and recent Daytona Stakes (G3) winner Conquest Tsunami have expressed serious interest in the event and appear on the bubble.
The last listed defeated reigning Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) champion Stormy Liberal last out in said about-1300m downhill dash at Santa Anita. Stormy Liberal has since been confirmed for the Al Quoz and will be joined by fellow Rockingham Ranch runner Richard’s Boy, whom he defeated in a photo-finish in the Breeders’ Cup. Stormy Liberal, Richard’s Boy and Conquest Tsunami are all currently trained by Peter Miller.
All in all, this race truly appears to be a global free-for-all that should be one of the most thrilling races on the card.
Current Al Quoz Sprint Possibles (not necessarily invitees): Blue Point, Stormy Liberal, Jungle Cat, Ertijaal, Baccarat, Faatinah, Richard’s Boy, Music Magnate, Librisa Breeze, D’Bai, Declarationofpeace, Washington DC, Intelligence Cross, Hit the Bid, Holding Gold, Brando, Supido, Illustrious Lad, Amazing Kids, Top Score
credit:DubaiRacingClub