Bradley Photographers
Trainer Bjorn Baker believes his gun sprinter Music Magnate is “ready to run a race” in the $US1 million Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at the Dubai World Cup meeting this weekend.
Baker arrived in Dubai in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time, laying eyes on the six-year-old gelding when going through his paces on the course that awaits him on Saturday.
“I saw the horse when I arrived on Wednesday and he looks really well, he looks as good as he’s ever looked,” Baker said.
“Jean’s (Van Overmeire) very happy with him. He had his main gallop on Monday and impressed then on Wednesday morning he had another look down the straight course in an easy workout.
“Jean says he’s moving brilliantly and we couldn’t be happier.”
Baker attended the all-important barrier draw on Wednesday night and his charge drew barrier 12 in the 14-horse field, one gate inside the favourite, Godolphin’s Blue Point from the Charlie Appleby team.
“The draw is perfect,” Baker said. “I’ve been told the outside draw is what you want and that’s what we’ve got.”
Music Magnate is on the fourth line of betting for the 1200m contest at $15, Blue Point is the $1.85 favourite with Australia’s other representatives Illustrious Lad and Faatinah at $26 and $34 respectively.
Baker says all the signs are in place for the son of Written Tycoon to acquit himself well in the weight-for-age contest.
“You never know if they’re going to show up in a new environment, I was actually at Bob Baffertt’s press conference earlier and he said the same thing, but all the indicators are good,” he said.
“He’s settled in as well as I could have hoped, he’s working great and looks amazing.
“His fresh-up record is great, his good track form is excellent and his record at 1200 is excellent.
“To me, he looks ready to run a race.”
Blake Shinn will ride Music Magnate in the Al Quoz Sprint. -racenet.com.au