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| Staff Writer |
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Seven international gallopers are preparing to jet into Sydney as overseas stables target several marquee events during the six-week autumn carnival, with combined purses worth US$31.5m.
Leading the charge is Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas, who is no stranger to success Down Under having claimed both the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Gardens and Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick in 2023. The accomplished performer is being aimed at a second tilt at the US$3.4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 12.
Haggas is mounting a strong three-pronged assault, with Desert Hero, owned by His Majesty King Charles III, targeting either the Queen Elizabeth Stakes or the US$1.36m Gr.1 Schweppes Sydney Cup. Completing the stable's powerful hand is Al Mubhir, who holds entries in both the US$2.72m Gr.1 The Star Doncaster Mile and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The Land of the Rising Sun is well represented with three raiders making the journey. Geoglyph, prepared by Tetsuya Kimura, will contest the Doncaster Mile, while Rousham Park from the Hiroyasu Tanaka yard and Cils Blancs, trained by Yukio Inagaki, are being aimed at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Sydney Cup respectively.
Completing the international challenge is Mrs Morrell, trained by James Ferguson, who will focus on shorter distance events during her Sydney campaign.
Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said: "This group of horses heading to Sydney are amongst some of the best in recent years and pleasingly are nominated across a range of races and distances."
"William Haggas has an incredible success rate in Sydney and we especially look forward to seeing his champion Dubai Honour return."
"There will also be great interest in His Majesty's horse as he possibly runs in our Autumn flagship middle distance race named in his mother's honour."
"We are also delighted to see more Japanese horses from different stables heading back to Sydney to take on Australia's very best."
"The growing number of trainers and owners heading to Sydney for our major races is a testament to the quality of the quarantine facilities, racing and training facilities, and the world-class hospitality shown to international visitors."