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| Staff Writer |
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The highly anticipated Saudi debut of Oxted's new dirt challenge is a must-see for racing fans not just from England but around the world. Over a phone interview from England, on a very cold and wet afternoon, his handler revealed it will be his most explosive run yet. While winning the July Cup in 2020 was incredible, Teal's decision to travel his horse to Saudi to take on some of the world's best horses on a dirt track shows tremendous ambition.
The Gr.1 Darley July Cup winner has all his stars aligned to propel him into the sport's very top tier and his handler's decision to take him to Riyadh is likely a masterstroke. During the interview, Teal said, "He looks great and we are very happy with him. He looks well. He does have a winter coat but he has been training very well."
This will be the sprinter's first overseas journey, "we will have to see how he copes with the hustle and bustle of travelling. But he should be fine."
Teal told Ten Furlongs that his previous experience in the Gulf stood him in good stead, " Steel Tango won twice at the (Dubai World Cup) Carnival and Tip Two Win was first in both the Al Biddah Mile and the Al Rayyan Stakes in Doha. I absolutely loved it in Doha and I am well prepared for Riyadh."
The gelding also holds an entry to Dubai World Cup night, that the handler has yet to accept.
“We’ve always been happy to compete with the best, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve always danced the dance with the big boys, and we’ve come out on top a few times and that’s where we want to be.”
The son of July Cup Mayson, is a homebred for Homecroft Wealth Racing, a syndicate which includes John Collins, Tony Hirschfeld, Stephen Piper and David Fish.
"The July Cup was Oxted's best race. He was awesome in the race."
"It's been great to see him progress the way he has. On Champion's day, the ground was not to his advantage. It was a heavy and testing ground but he ran a great race."
"On his return, he will be pointed at the July Cup and perhaps Royal Ascot is also on the cards."
Teal is no stranger to success in his stable with Gr.3 Horris Hill Stakes winner Kenzai Warrior and Ocean Win who is unbeaten in his last three starts.
"Kenzai Warrior has had a disappointing season. We are hoping he can bounce back this year. And we have Ocean Wind and look forward to his next season."
Teal reveals to Ten Furlongs that although the past year has been different, his passion for the industry remains undiminished.
"We're in a crazy world, but at least we are racing. It's healthy to see them showing live sport on TV."
"I am inspired every day. Just waking up every day and doing what we do inspires me. My wife is a big part of what inspires me. I enjoy waking up each morning to train my horses."
Oxted will contest the US$1.5m Riyadh Dirt Sprint on Saturday alongside leading sprinters like Harry's Bar, Matera Sky, New York Central, Roman River and Switzerland.