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Connections Happy With Meydan Preparations

3 minute read

Australian representatives Brave Smash and Viddora have pleased connections since they arrived in Dubai and were set to step up their preparations for this weekend’s $US2 million Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Tuesday morning.

Viddora
Viddora Picture: Racing and Sports

The Kris Lees-trained Brave Smash has been under the care of his constant companion Maddie Raymond and she rode the former Japanese import through a “quiet trot and canter” on Meydan’s dirt track on Monday morning.

Brave Smash
Brave Smash Picture: Racing and Sports

“I got a great feel from him this morning,” Raymond reported.

“He’s a traveller. He thrives off a trip.

“The flight here was no problem for him at all, if anything he’s relished it.

“He’ll have a gallop tomorrow (Tuesday).”

Kris Lees will arrive in Dubai on Wednesday to put the final touches to Brave Smash’s preparation for Saturday night’s Group One sprint over the straight 1200m course.

The dual G1 winner and last start placegetter in the G1 VRC Newmarket at Flemington will be ridden by Hugh Bowman in the Al Quoz Sprint.

Bowman has ridden Brave Smash four times in Australia for a G1 victory in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley and two placings.

Bowman will miss the Tancred Stakes meeting at Rosehill on Saturday to ride at the Dubai World Cup fixture where he will again partner his 2017 Japan Cup winner Cheval Grand in the G1 Sheema Classic.

The Lloyd Kennewell-trained Viddora also coped well with her first international trip and has pleased the trainer since her arrival.

Kennewell arrived in Dubai on Monday morning along with jockey Joe Bowditch and he will give the mare a strong workout on Tuesday morning.

“I’ll be expecting Viddora to have a good gallop,” Kennewell said.

“If things continue to go well I’m expecting a good run.

“She’s settled in nicely and early on I’m happy with how things are going.”

The Al Quoz Sprint has drawn a crack international field led by Godolphin’s brilliant King’s Stand Stakes winner Blue Point, British Champion Sprint Stakes hero Sands Of Mali and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Stormy Liberal.
Racing and Sports

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