Tato Key Aims For Golden Shaheen
Multiple Grade 2 winner, David Marnane trained-Tato Key is scheduled to take part in the Gr.3 Mahab Al Shimaal, facing old rival Drafted. The later beat Tato Key in the Gr.3 Al Shindagha Sprint earlier this season.
Both are in preparation for the world’s richest dirt sprint, Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen.
“The two of them, hopefully, they lock horns again,” he continued. “I’m under no illusions and know Drafted is a good horse. Hopefully, we can improve. All we can do is worry about our own horse and at the moment, he’s doing well and could certainly be a lovely horse for years to come. I think he’ll come on from the run, as he was away seven months (before the Al Shindagha Sprint). Hopefully, his progress transfers to the race.”
Owned by Yu Long, the son of Key Deputy has won 12 of 15 starts, including the Gr.2 Classico Cuidad de la Plata and Classico General Manuel Belgrano (Gr.2)—both over 1200m. He also has two Grade 3 wins and five Listed victories. His only finish outside of the top two was when third in Grade 3 company over 1300m—his only try past 1200m.
The local contingent will get its chance to shine in the aforementioned Super Saturday prep. They will take on the proverbial big guns on Dubai World Cup day, including dual U.S. champion Roy H, two-time runner-up X Y Jet and multiple Grade 1 winner Imperial Hint. Japanese sprinter Matera Sky, fifth in 2018, is also reported as aiming for a return to Dubai for the world’s richest dirt sprint.
Curated from Press Release by ERA