 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Gregory, the Royal Ascot victor preparing for Saturday's Gr.1 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, is drawing positive reviews from connections ahead of his first international venture.
The 5YO, who hasn't secured victory since his Queen's Vase triumph under Frankie Dettori in 2022, comes into this assignment following a productive campaign. His 2023 season yielded creditable third-place finishes in the Yorkshire Cup, Goodwood Cup, and Lonsdale Cup.
Joint-trainer Thady Gosden, overseeing final preparations in Riyadh, reports the son of Golden Horn has taken the journey in his stride. "He has travelled over very well. He had a smooth flight directly from Stansted into Riyadh," said Gosden. "He is a bit of an old pro, he is quite laid back about life and is taking everything in his stride."
The gelding, sporting blinkers for the first time, impressed during his track familiarisation. "He came to the main (dirt) track this morning (Wednesday), which is riding beautifully and the temperature is perfect. He seemed to enjoy himself and is moving well," Gosden continued. "It is possible that he will go on the grass tomorrow (Thursday), but the main dirt track here is so good, it is hard to tempt yourself away from it, but of course, he is running on the turf."
Meanwhile, Witness Stand represents another British challenger targeting glory in the 1351 Turf Sprint. The Expert Eye gelding, acquired for US$126,000 in October, joins the partnership of Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole following his Listed success in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury for previous handler Tom Clover.
Insole, relishing his first major international runner, said: "We wanted to get him out on the grass so he could get used to it and Lloyd (Applegate), his rider, said he enjoyed it. He cantered for about 1000m and then breezed him over the last 400m. He's ready, so he'll just go on the dirt for the rest of the week."
The trainer added: "It's quite surreal; I've been to races like the Breeders' Cup and the Dubai World Cup as an assistant (to Charlie Hills) but now I'm here as a trainer. He's a new horse for us, so it's quite different as you're still learning about him, how he adapts and even how he'll be on raceday."