 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Al Nayyir, impressive since joining Tom Clover from French handler Julien Carayon, is being readied for a tilt at the Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia, with connections eyeing a potential Dubai Gold Cup bid thereafter.
The 7YO son of Dubawi announced himself as a leading stayer when finishing a short head second to Vauban in the Gr.2 Lonsdale Cup at York's Ebor Festival.
Following an eight-length romp in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes at Newmarket last September, before placing fifth in the Long-Distance Cup at Ascot's Champions’ Day, the Kremlin House Stables resident is now targeting Middle East riches.
The February 22 Saudi assignment could lead to a Dubai World Cup night appearance on March 30, contingent on his Riyadh showing.
Clover, speaking after the gelding's preparatory gallop at Chelmsford, said: "Luke (Morris) sat on him and he is happy with the horse, he galloped out well and we are looking forward to taking him to Saudi. At the moment, it's all systems go to go to Saudi."
"I think we will probably go to Saudi and if he runs well out there, we might think about Dubai," the trainer added, outlining future plans. "It's pretty fluid, to be honest. Whether he can get in the top three home, then we might think about the Gold Cup, but it's certainly a conversation we'll have all being well."
"They are the next two races we have pencilled in, as long as he's OK, and I suppose we will take it from there afterwards."