Moroccan Champion Billabong (Mor) (Gentlewave {Ire}), who won nine times in 11 starts in his native country–including the Grand Prix De Sa Majeste Le Roi Mohammed VI, the most important race in Northern Africa–will feel at home in Italy tomorrow, with temperatures in the mid 90's expected Sunday for the G1 Gran Premio Di Milano.
Billabong could rewrite history, becoming the first Moroccan-bred to win a Group 1. He joined the yard of Pascal Bary at Chantilly last season. “His owner, Mr. El Alami, sends to me each season one of his best horses,” Bary explained.
“Billabong was a true champion in his country, where all the races are on dirt, and I ran him three times on the all-weather because I didn't wanted to change too much. He did well, winning once, and he discovered the grass in March, finishing second in a listed race at Saint-Cloud, and scored in a listed race over 2400 meters at Longchamp. Billabong is a strong horse with a lot of stamina, and I think he will relish the San Siro course.”
Italian racing fans will support Dylan Mouth (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), the 2014 Italian Derby winner. The 4-year-old is unbeaten in Italy and his only defeat occurred at Royal Ascot, when he had a wide trip in the G2 King Edward VII S. Back home in September he won the G2 Premio Federico Tesio–defeating the 2013 Derby winner Biz The Nurse (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire})–and the G1 Gran Premio Del Jockey Club.
Cleo Fan (Ity) (Mujahid) had his glory day May 10 at Capannelle, when he snatched the G1 Premio Presidente Della Repubblica over 2000 meters. He will have his first start over 2400 meters and stamina could be a concern.
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