Buick, Lemaire among star names to run rule over WC night chances
Godolphin's number-one rider was mobbed by the international press at trackwork before and after partnering his big-race ride on Meydan's dirt surface, with both the jockey and American trainer Kenny McPeek delighted with his enthusiastic workout.
'He felt good,' Buick said. 'Kenny was keen for me to sit on him and Danny who rides him every morning says he's been taking him on a bit. He's fresh and he felt very comfortable on the track. He was quite strong with me this morning, but he feels super. He's a really good ride to pick up and I'm looking forward to it.'
Rattle N Roll was an eyecatching fourth in the Saudi Cup last time and Buick is hopeful more forceful tactics can see him close the gap on the winner Forever Young, who is a strong favourite on Saturday, and runner-up Ushba Tesoro, who won the Dubai World Cup in 2023.
'He ran a really good race in the Saudi Cup,' he said. 'In another few strides he would have picked up third. I think the extra furlong in the Dubai World Cup will suit him and he's got a good draw in two, so hopefully he'll be able to position himself just in behind the speed. That's going to be a big help to him.
'He's a closer and I don't think you can take that away from him, but if I can try and sit that length or two closer in touch it will help him. It's an ideal scenario and we'll have a plan, but the most important thing is that he seems very happy. I got a good feeling off him this morning.'
He added: 'It's an amazing race. It was a privilege to have won it in 2015 and every year you want to get a ride in the race with a good chance and that's just what I've got.'
Lemaire banks on Cervinia, Brede Weg for Dubai Turf glory: Lemaire watched both Cervinia and Dubai Turf contender Brede Weg breeze on turf from his vantage point in the grandsatnds on Wednesday and was extremely positive about the latter's chances as well.
A Grade 1 winner in October 2023 in the Quen Elizabeth II Cup, Brede Weg arrives in Duabi off a promising run in the Grade 3, and was only a length away in fourth on her return to action at Tokyo in February:
'I also saw her work yesterday and she is a very talented filly,' said Lemaire. 'I think the mile was a bit short for her [last time] so the extra 200 metres will suit her.
'She's got a very good turn of foot and it will be her second race of the year. As with Cervinia, she should perform very well.
'Even in such a competitive field she has a very good chance in my opinion.'
Buick believes Nations Pride continues to be underestimated as the six-year-old chases a fifth Group 1 win in the Dubai Turf.
A winner at the highest level in Germany (twice), America and Canada, Nations Pride will have to take on one Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in Saturday's contest.
However, Buick is hopeful his ride can improve on a course-and-distance success in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes success over the same course and distance last month.
'He's had a nice break since his last run,' he said at trackwork on Thursday morning. 'I think we can expect a little bit of improvement in him.
'We've got Romantic Warrior in the race and he's going to be a tough opponent, as well as others.
'Nations Pride always does his best. He's uncomplicated and he's got genuine Group 1 form. He doesn't quite get the credit he deserves, but he's taking on one of the world's best.'
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