Five of Hong Kong’s seven Dubai challengers stretched their legs at Meydan racecourse this morning while the remainder stayed in the stable area as planned.
Designs On Rome emerged on to the turf track under his work rider Kelvin Wan at around 6.50am. The triple G1 winner appeared alert and calm as he observed his new surroundings before setting off at a canter. The five-year-old took things easy, working a lap and a half at a steady pace and remaining relaxed throughout.
Word from the Moore camp is that the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) contender journeyed to Dubai without fuss, is eating well and is enjoying his Arabian experience.
The Tony Millard-trained Super Jockey was among the pre-dawn workers. The Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) hope was out on the floodlit dirt track at around 5.30am.
“He did an easy canter this morning and he seemed to like the track,” said Beverly Millard, the trainer’s wife, who partnered the gelding in his work. “Tony gets in today and we might do some faster work this week, but we haven’t decided yet because he did a good gallop on Saturday to take the freshness off him before he went on the plane. He’s a healthy horse and we’re ready to go.”
Saturday’s G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) contenders Amber Sky and Peniaphobia made their way together on to the dirt track at 7am and the former led the Tony Cruz trainee through a lap at a slow tempo. Ricky Yiu’s Amber Sky looked keen to up the speed but his rider, Raymond Tam, maintained a firm grip.
Rich Tapestry, aiming to go one better than his runner-up finish in last year’ s G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m), entered the dirt track a short while after that pair but soon moved by them. Michael Chang’s charge seemed in good heart as he travelled at a solid canter under Vincent Sit.
Lucky Nine (Dubai Golden Shaheen) and Bundle Of Joy (Al Quoz Sprint) remained stable side this morning.
