Godolphin's former all-weather specialist Tryster (Ire) (Shamardal) put in one of the most eye-catching performances of the carnival thus far when circling the entire field in the stretch and closing into a slow pace to win the G3 Dubai Millennium S. first-up Feb. 18, and the 5-year-old gelding will test Group 1 company for the first time in Saturday's G1 Jebel Hatta, the local prep for the $6 million G1 Dubai Turf Mar. 26. Tryster broke his maiden on the grass as a 3-year-old but found a home on Britain's synthetics last year, notching five straight wins and winning six of seven altogether on the year, his lone loss coming when testing the turf again in the G3 Brigadier Gerard S., where he was last of five. Connections were cautious in their optimism, therefore, when trying him on the grass again last month, but the bay proved more than up to the task.
“We were delighted he ran so well on turf,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “He showed his trademark turn of foot, which is such a potent weapon. It is a stronger race this week as you would expect, but they went very slowly in the Dubai Millennium S., which probably was not in his favour.”
“The stronger field will, hopefully, actually help him as they should go a stronger gallop,” Appleby added. “A big run from him here should guarantee an invitation for the Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup night.”
Mike de Kock brings a four-pronged team in an attempt to overhaul the favourite, headed by South African Group 1 winner Ertijaal (Aus) (Hard Spun). The 4-year-old colt made a favourable impression when finishing second first-up in the G2 Al Rashidiya S. over this track and trip, but had his World Cup dreams dashed when finishing 12th of 14 on dirt for the first time in a Feb. 18 handicap. He returns to the lawn with the Dubai Turf in his sights. De Kock also saddles last-out G1 Zabeel Mile third and eighth Zahee (NZ) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) and Johann Strauss (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}), as well as Zayat Stables's Prayer For Relief (Jump Start), a close third in a mile handicap on the dirt Feb. 18.
“If forced, of our four runners I would probably side with Ertijaal,” said de Kock. “But all four are fit, well and have plenty of ability. The dirt just did not suit Ertijaal last time and he will be much happier back on turf. Hopefully he can show his real worth.”
“Johann Strauss has loads of ability,” he added. “Nothing went right [last time] and he needs a big performance if he is to get into the Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup day. Zahee has been busy in recent weeks but this will likely be his last start of the year. Prayer For Relief should find this trip ideal and is interesting switched to turf. His style of running suggests it could suit him.”
Another South African Group 1 winner, Harry's Son (Aus) (Haradasun {Aus}), stamped himself as one to watch with a first-up second to Safety Check (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort going seven furlongs Jan. 21, but could manage only fourth behind that rival in the Zabeel Mile and needs to step up here.
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