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| Staff Writer |
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Dubai Honour will bypass Qatar in favour of a return to Australia, with connections eyeing the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on March 29. The William Haggas-trained 7YO is being aimed at the US$1.5 million contest over 2400m.
The battle-hardened campaigner, who has amassed more than US$5 million in prizemoney, was initially targeting the US$2.5m Emir's Trophy in Doha. However, having clinched two Group One victories in Australia during 2023, connections are favouring another trip Down Under.
The talented globetrotter was most recently seen finishing second to British challenger Giavellotto in December's Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.
Philip Robinson, racing manager to owner Mohamed Obaida, explained: "The plan now is for Dubai Honour to head to Australia rather than Qatar as it looks a better option for him. He needs a bit of juice in the ground these days and the thinking was he may get that in Sydney in the Tancred Stakes on March 29, which is over a mile and a half.
"He's won twice down there before, so travelling will be no issue and hopefully Tom Marquand will be able to ride him, as it's the week before the Dubai World Cup meeting."
In Dubai Honour's absence, last year's victor Rebel's Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby, heads to Al Rayyan racecourse this Saturday seeking consecutive Emir's Trophy triumphs.
The British challenge includes Rajeko, representing Michael Bell. The progressive colt, a dual winner who defeated previous winner Port Light at Chelmsford in December, contests the Al Rayyan Mile.
Nick Bell, assistant trainer, said: "It looks as if we'll be taking on the Godolphin horse Aomori City, who we finished just behind in the Gr.2 July Stakes at Newmarket last summer, but it could be a different story over a mile.
"Another bonus is that we have already booked Oisin Murphy for the ride, and he has won many races at the track."