Classy two-year-old Pride Of Dubai was a standout for Peter and Paul Snowden over autumn and has reportedly taken huge benefit from his time away from racing in the lead-up to the 2015 Spring Carnival.
Pride Of Dubai will likely target the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) upon resuming in spring. Photo: Steve Hart
Pride Of Dubai stamped his claims as one to watch when finishing a credible third in a Rosehill Gardens minor over 1100m on debut in late December, but undoubtedly announced his racing arrival upon resuming in autumn for a close second in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) and consecutive wins in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).
Usually sending his runners to pre-training before their return to his stables, Snowden told Racing Ahead he is thrilled the condition of the Street Cry colt and confirmed he has re-entered light training.
“He works very well, he doesn’t work like a superstar … but he’s just got this amazing attitude, he’s so laid back,” Snowden said.
“I got him from the paddock … this is the start of his third week and he’s just trotting and cantering but he looks in great order and he’s 100%.
“What he’s done already proves how good he is.
“He’s had four starts and won two Group 1s so he’s a pretty outstanding colt.
“I just think he’s one of those horses that has the temperament, make up and pedigree to go all the way.”
Yet to settle of a specific path for the rising three-year-old through the 2015 Spring Carnival, Snowden said the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) in September is likely to figure as Pride Of Dubai’s first major target before a view towards races like the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
“I think at this stage without anything being locked in, I think he fits in the category of similar sort of horses I’ve had at the Golden Rose, Stan Fox and Caulfield Guineas,” he said.
“Golden Rose probably maybe second or third up, depending on how he comes up but three solid races and three races I’ll certainly give serious consideration to.
“He’s taken nice improvement but he’s always been quite a mature horse.”
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering Pride Of Dubai at 2015 Golden Rose Stakes odds of $11 for success.
