Group 1 Blue Diamond S. hero Pride Of Dubai (Aus) (Street Cry) will not take part in the G1 Golden Slipper S. Mar. 21, a race for which he would have required to be supplemented.
Speaking on RSN radio Tuesday, Peter Snowden, who trains the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum homebred in partnership with son Paul, explained, “It's not the late fee, it's more he reached his grand final on Saturday. To me it's too much to ask a horse to back up in three weeks time. To bring him back up again would be too arduous.” The conditioner also expressed doubts regarding the 1200-meter trip for the Golden Slipper–identical to the Blue Diamond S., in which the colt missed the break. “I think the speed would be too solid. He can't get going quick enough and I would think 1400 [meters] or a mile would suit him better,” Snowden Snr. said. “With that in mind, I would think the Sires' [G1 Sires' Produce S. Apr. 4] will suit much better. It's five weeks away and he'll be better at Randwick.”
The latest Order of Entry for the Golden Slipper was revealed Monday, with Blue Diamond runner-up Reemah (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) and third Lake Geneva (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) proving the major movers courtesy of their additional earnings of A$180,000 and A$90,000 respectively. The powerful Godolphin stable remains dominant in the order of entry, with Skyline S. victor Exosphere (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) now exempt from ballot and seven other juveniles appearing amongst the top 20 by earnings. Click here for the full order of entry.
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