MAJESTIC Mambo makes his first appearance in Dubai in Saturday’s Gr1 Jebel Hatta over 1800m on turf at Meydan. Bernard Fayd’Herbe has been booked for the ride.
In Majestic Mambo, fourth in the 2018 Gr1 Durban July, the stable may have a new acquisition that is good enough to win this race, but he is not wound up due to a lack of time in training in Dubai and Mike commented: “Majestic Mambo has only been with us for a few weeks and I would have been confident of a good run if we’d had more time to prep him.
“Majestic Mambo was gelded in quarantine and has been a straight forward horse to train, he hasn’t been playing up, he hasn’t been up to tricks, we like the way he has been working. This is a forced run, however, and he needs to perform well to have a chance of a run on World Cup night. It is his first run gelded, all we can do is hold thumbs. He is doing very well.”
Janoobi (Jim Crowley) ran an improved race when ridden from off the pace last time and Mike said: “He is in the same form and we’ll try the same tactics. He was a little unlucky not to have placed last time.”
Marinaresco (Fayd’Herbe) has been entered for the Gr2 Dubai City Of Gold, a race Mike has won with Grey’s Inn, who was also a July winner like the six-year-old son of Silvano, who has continued to progress steadily.
Mike said: “We’ve opted for the City Of Gold over 2410m because it is a weaker contest and gives Marinaresco a better chance of getting into World Cup night. He is well and since his 2200m form is very good, there is every chance he will enjoy the extra 200m.
Mike also reported that Yulong Prince (formerly Surcharge) had finally arrived in quarantine in Dubai and said: “What a disappointment that a horse as good as this was prevented entry into the UAE due to a 2015 vaccination that was out of date. The Dubai authorities is not making it easy for visitors. A top horse has been held back and the carnival is all but over.”
