 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Al Riffa is being primed for Dubai World Cup night having pleased Joseph O'Brien in his seasonal debut in Saudi Arabia.
The dual Grade one winner, a standout performer in the Owning Hill handler's Flat string, made his first appearance since October's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe when finishing a respectable third behind Japan's Shin Emperor in the Neom Turf Cup.
The son of Wootton Bassett has returned to Ireland in fine fettle following his Riyadh assignment and is now being prepared for a step back up to 12 furlongs, with O'Brien targeting the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on 5 April.
"He seems fine and has arrived back in Ireland in good shape," said O'Brien. "He will probably go to Meydan for the Sheema Classic now."
The handler believes the return to a mile and a half, combined with Meydan's configuration, will play to Al Riffa's strengths.
"The 10 furlongs in Saudi Arabia was a lovely starting point for him but you would imagine stepping up to 12 furlongs on a bigger track at Meydan, both of those things would be a real positive for him," O'Brien added.
Last year's Dubai Sheema Classic was captured by Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance.