The G2 Dubai City Of Gold S. is tagged as a warm-up for the G1 Sheema Classic run over the same course and distance, yet this year's renewal features none of the most eagerly expected contenders for the big race–the impressive list of which includes America's Main Sequence (Aldebaran), France's Flintshire (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {Ire}), Hong Kong's Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Japan's One And Only (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Harp Star (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), etc.
Godolphin has two runners in the 10-strong field, headed by Sky Hunter (GB) (Motivator {GB}). The lightly-raced 5-year-old finished first past the post in his last two outings, although he was disqualified from his Listed victory at Ayr Sept. 20 for testing positive to a banned substance. He hasn't been seen since romping nine lengths clear in the G3 St Simon S. at Newbury Oct. 21. This was his second win in as many attempts at the Classic trip, so stamina is clearly not an issue. The same cannot be said for the stable's second hopeful True Story (GB) (Manduro {Ger}), who hasn't stretched out to a mile and a half since running seventh in last year's G1 Derby at Epsom. The colt has however produced a pair of fine efforts since the start of the Carnival, winning the Listed Singspiel S. over 1800 meters by 3 1/2 lengths Jan. 8, before only finding Vercingetorix (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}) too good in the G2 Al Rashidiya over the same trip.
Umgiyo (Aus) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) is another to undertake a stamina test. The Mike de Kock trainee was impressive when winning a handicap over 1800 meters Jan. 22, and was only bested by Hunter's Light (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Listed Dubai Millenium S. when adding an extra 200 meters. Christophe Soumillon has however opted to ride stable mate Mickdaam (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The well-traveled Sheikhzayedroad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is an intriguing candidate in this company. Since running sixth in this race last year, the charge of David Simcock has won the G2 York S. in the UK and GI Northern Dancer Turf S. at Woodbine. He is having his first outing since checking in sixth in Noble Mission (GB) (Galileo {Ire})'s G1 Champion S., where he finished just a length off Cirrus Des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}).
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