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| Staff Writer |
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UAE multiple-time Champion trainer Doug Watson was there when it all began twenty-five years ago.
Watson has lost none of the passion, wit, easy smile and no-nonsense attitude when it comes to his horses, that he was known for in his youth.
Despite having just ten days to go for the world’s richest race meeting, the man who has won 33 of his 294 starts this season, which include some of the key Dubai World Cup Carnival races, is well relaxed during a phone interview, with an air of confidence that comes from years of experience at the helm of UAE’s racing industry.
But while other trainers talk up their ability of their horses, he doesn’t leave any one under any illusions, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. He is also open about what needs to be done to improve the form and fitness of each horse that he’s responsible for.
Here, in a phone interview with Ten Furlongs, Watson discloses more about his plans for World Cup night and why the first Dubai World Cup race is his favourite.
Q: Please tell us about what you’ve got lined up for Dubai World Cup night.
A: We have nine horses nominated for World Cup night. We have two in the (UAE: Derby, two in the Golden Shaheen, three in the Godolphin Mile – though we’re hoping Premier Star runs in the Golden Shaheen instead, one in the main Dubai World Cup race and one in the Sprint.
Q: How is Thegreatcollection doing as he goes into the Dubai World Cup?
A: He got a bit unlucky in his last start, as the bit came through his mouth. But he ran really well in the Al Maktoum Challenge R2, when he came second. He is very graceful and very healthy. He is running really well and I’m looking forward to seeing hm run on World Cup night.
Q: Its going to be a big night for Thegreatcollection, even though there won’t be any spectators in the Grandstand?
A: We’ll be there to cheer for him. Infact I had one of my owners tell me that he doesn’t have any doubts that Thegreatcollection will win. I told him that we would even take a third or something but he said no. No, he will win. So now he's getting me nervous.
Q: And what about Charles Fipke’s Speight'spercomete?
A: He is in good form. He just keeps getting better every run. He is a young horse but he’s getting used to racing at Meydan. He's in great shape. He’s a homebred for his owner, who is coming down for the race. I’m just hoping he doesn’t draw wide.
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Q: How is Midnight Sands doing in his prep for the Godolphin Mile?
A: He is a horse that loves Meydan. He is a horse that just has just gotten better with time. I was a bit worried because he had a three race campaign in some very tough races in America. But he came back from America in super shape after a nice layup at a farm in Florida. He is a bit stronger than he was when he left here last year.
We are praying he doesn’t draw too wide, he won from the 12th gate on Super Saturday. Still we are hoping for a middle draw for the Mile
He breaks well. He is usually a length in front of everything right out of the gate and then he can get into position. Pat (Dobbs: rides him very well and has a lot of confidence.
Q: And how are UAE’s crowd favourites Kimbear and Canvassed doing?
A: Kimbear is going to run at Jebel Ali and he’s unfortunately not going to race on World Cup night. But Canvassed is doing well and has a World Cup night start.
Q: How is Midnight Sands doing in his prep for the Godolphin Mile? A: He is a horse that loves Meydan. He is a horse that just has just gotten better with time. I was a bit worried because he had a three race campaign in some very tough races in America. But he came back from America in super shape after a nice layup at a farm in Florida. He is a bit stronger than he was when he left here last year. We are praying he doesn’t draw too wide, he won from the 12th gate on Super Saturday. Still we are hoping for a middle draw for the Mile. He breaks well. He is usually a length in front of everything right out of the gate and then he can get into position. Pat (Dobbs: rides him very well and has a lot of confidence. Q: And how are UAE’s crowd favourites Kimbear and Canvassed doing? A: Kimbear is going to run at Jebel Ali and he’s unfortunately not going to race on World Cup night. But Canvassed is doing well and has a World Cup night start.
Q: You also have Premier Star. How is he doing?
A: Premier Star finished a good fourth on Super Saturday, according to me. He came in from the US with Midnight Sands and I believe he need the race on Super Saturday.
Q: And finaly, as a person who has seen everyone of the Dubai World Cup races, which one was your favourite?
A: I always come back to the first one, when Cigar won. At the time, I had been here for three years. Every time I would go back to America and tell people you know that I said I worked in Dubai they didn’t know where that was. But then Cigar came over, having won 13 consecutive races and then he won the Dubai World Cup. So after that everyone knew where Dubai was. It really put Dubai on the map and I will never forget that race.