While trainer Steven Burridge could not stop winning in Dubai last year, luck seems to have deserted him this time around.

While trainer Steven Burridge could not stop winning in Dubai last year, luck seems to have deserted him this time around.

The Australian handler took Meydan by storm at his very first raid in the Middle-Eastern racing mecca last January, racking up four winners in rapid-fire succession at the Dubai World Cup Carnival - Dark Matter (two), Captain Obvious and El Padrino (ex-Ip Man).

With his appetite whetted by such a prolific haul, Burridge unsurprisingly took another bite at the cherry, this time putting Devil’s Cut, Freezemaster and Benji’s Empire on a Dubai-bound plane on December 20, as well as new recruit Tiger Stripes who joined in from Ireland.

But sparks did not fly when the Kranji trio (Tiger Stripes has not raced yet) stepped out for their first runs over the last two weeks, all finishing out of the placings.

On January 10, Benji’s Empire ran 14th in a 1000m speed dash over the straight course on turf. The noted frontrunner raced worse than midfield throughout and was never a factor. Four races later, in a 1400m event on turf, Freezemaster was used up early from his wide barrier to lead before running out of steam to beat one home.

One week later, Burridge did not fare any better with Devil’s Cut, an up-and-coming three-time winner back home, who weakened to 10th after being up with the early speed in a 1200m race over the straight course on turf.

While disappointed his first runners had finished among the also-rans, Burridge pointed out they were mixing it with hardened internationals like Le Drakkar, Invincible Ash and Inxile.

“The winners all ran course records in the races they were in,” said Burridge. “The quality of horses is much stronger earlier this year. There is a lot more depth.

“I think the races they were in haven’t been suitable either. I’m still happy with all of them and I would like to see them race again to have a better idea, but it sure is tougher this time around.”

If there was any silver lining, travelling foreman Mick Lockett has reported that the three horses have all tucked their heads straight back into the feed bins after their races, and are all in fine fettle.

“Mick said they have all pulled up good. They are also eating well and working well,” he said.

“They will now all run on the All-Weather (Tapeta) next. Benji’s Empire and Devil’s Cut will both run over 1400m on January 31 while Freezemaster will run a week later over 1600m.

“As for the new horse, we can’t seem to get him right. He’s sore all over and we’ll have to monitor his condition closely.”

Burridge was not too concerned about which jockey to book following the recent licence termination of jockey Stephen Baster, who flew to Dubai to ride Benji’s Empire and Freezemaster at their first runs. The horses are his main priority.

“I haven’t thought of anyone yet. There is (Ted) Durcan (who rode Devil’s Cut) I may go for, but nothing’s confirmed yet,” said Burridge.

“More importantly, I hope my horses put in better runs next time. We’ll have to work it out from there and decide if we’re coming home or not.”

After finishing on the podium (third) last season, the 2010 Singapore champion trainer is not enjoying the best of starts on the home front either. After seven meetings, he has saddled only one winner –

“The horses are in good shape and on the upswing, there is nothing wrong with them,” he said. “It’s just that I’ve got off on the wrong foot and has not had much luck in the running.

“We’ve had six seconds (joint highest with Shane Baertschiger). With a bit of luck, some of them could have won.”

While Burridge said Darien Gap, a Jungle Pocket four-year-old who is bred to stay, was a progressive sort who should be able to measure up to the step-up in class and distance of Sunday’s $75,000 Open Benchmark 97 race over 2400m, he would not be able to count on his dashing grey Captain Obvious, a disappointing last at his comeback race from his unsuccessful Japan trip, on January 13.

“Captain Obvious was entered in the 1400m race on Sunday, but I had to scratch him this morning,” he said.

“It’s nothing serious. He had a bit of a sore foot and the farrier advised me to change his plate.”