Halford Holds Strong Hand for Dubai

Irish trainer Michael Halford certainly knows what it takes to win at the Dubai Carnival. The Curragh-based trainer was successful back in 2012 when Invincible Ash (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) beat none other than multiple Group 1-winning sprinter Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) in a conditions race at Meydan, having shown good form at the previous year's carnival. Since then Halford has been an annual visitor, and he recorded one of the most prestigious victories of his training career when Certerach (Ire) (Halling) landed the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night in 2013. The now 7-year-old is back seeking more Carnival glory, and forms part of a strong squad Halford is intending to send to Dubai when the carnival begins Thursday. Numerically speaking, the Group 1-winning trainer brings the biggest team from Ireland, as he trains six of the 12 Irish horses accepted for the Carnival. Halford gave the TDN the lowdown on his Dubai challengers:

Redstaroverchina (Ire) (f, 2, Starspangledbanner {Aus}-Fragrant Air, by El Prado {Ire}) is a recent addition to the Halford stable, having previously been trained by Eddie Lynam to win a conditions race at Naas in August before disappointing slightly in subsequent starts when upped in grade.

“I have trained for her owner [Singapore-based Dr Tan Kai Chah] in the past and Eddie suggested he send her to us as he knew I would be sending a few to Dubai and she would have some company for her preparation. I will have a chat with the owner and his advisor Jim Ryan, but we could start her off in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Jan. 14 and take it from there.”

Hasanour (g, 5, Giant's Causeway–Hasanka {Ire}, by Kalanisi {Ire}), a late maturer, was bought as an unraced 3-year-old from the Aga Khan draft at the horses-in-training sale at Goffs. He made his debut at the Punchestown National Hunt Festival when finishing well adrift behind subsequent high-class flat stayer Forgotten Rules (Ire) (Nayef) in a 'bumper' (flat race for National Hunt horses). However, he flourished when his attentions were returned to the flat and, following two premier handicap wins in 2015, his rating soared to 104 from an opening mark of 72. “It will be his first trip to Dubai but I think it will really suit him,” Halford noted. “He has the ideal profile, will love the sun on his back and the fast ground. He will most likely start in a 10 furlong handicap Jan. 7 and he may even try the dirt at some stage.”

Toscanini (Ire) (c, 3, Shamardal–Tuzla {Fr}, by Panoramic {GB}), is a consistent homebred for Godolphin. Already established among the upper echelon of sprinters in Ireland, Halford believes Toscanini can eventually make his mark at the top level and has mapped out some high-profile assignments in Dubai. “He had a good season this year when he ran some brilliant races in defeat and we are hoping to start him off in the G3 Meydan Sprint on Super Saturday before hopefully having a crack at the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night Mar. 26,” the conditioner revealed.

Eastern Rules (Ire) (g, 7, Golden Snake–Eastern Ember {GB}, by Indian King) is a Carnival veteran who will be making his third trip to Meydan next month. He enjoyed a fantastic period in Dubai in 2013, winning twice and placing once from five starts. Not quite so good last year–though he still managed a second to Safety Check (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort–his trainer said he believes he can still make a serious impact, especially given his rating is now two pounds below his last winning handicap mark. “He had a fantastic time there two years ago and last year he was just a bit unlucky with the draw a few times,” Halford said. “He loves fast ground and I hope to target a seven furlong handicap with him Jan. 7 and with a bit of luck we can make an early impact. He's another one we could try on dirt also.”

Wychwood Warrior (Ire) (c, 3, Lope De Vega {Ire}–Pearlitas Passion {Ire}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) was the first 3-year-old Halford brought to the Carnival last year and he was rewarded with a third in the Listed Meydan Classic from two starts. He backed up that display back home in Ireland with some smart performances that have seen his rating rise to 102. “He's been trained for the Carnival and I think he will do well out there,” Halford revealed. “The plan is to start him off in a 1m handicap Jan. 14 and take it from there.”

Certerach (Ire) (g, 7, Halling–Chartres {Ire}, by Danehill)'s defeat of Cavalryman (GB) (Halling) in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup was a career best and by and large he has struggled to recapture the same level of form since then. He did, however, show a bit of the old sparkle on his last outing when fourth in the Listed Loughbrown S. at the Curragh Sept. 27, and Halford is optimistic he can pay his way in Dubai. “He went lame last year and we just struggled to keep him right,” the trainer noted. “Dubai 2016 has been the target now for a while and I am quite happy with his preparation. All going well he'll go for a mile and a half handicap Jan. 21, then on to a mile and six handicap Feb. 4. Assuming he pleases us in those races I would love to target the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy Mar. 3 and it would be nice to finish up with a crack at the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.”