Pride Of Dubai unlikely to run in 2016 Expressway Stakes Field

Pride Of Dubai is far from certain to resume racing at the end of the month despite winning a star-studded Randwick barrier trial on Tuesday.

Figuring in a switch to a 830m heat on the Kensington track, Pride Of Dubai scouted wide before leading home a field that included last year’s spring Group One winners Press Statement and Boban.

But plans for Pride Of Dubai to return against older horses at weight-for-age in the Expressway Stakes could change.

Pride Of Dubai was scheduled to have a barrier trial at Warwick Farm before another hit-out at Rosehill on Monday.

Because the Warwick Farm heats were washed out last week, Snowden admits giving the Blue Diamond Stakes winner another barrier trial would amount to a rushed lead-in to the Expressway Stakes at Rosehill on January 30.

“We need to sit down and have a think about what we do,” Snowden said.

“He may still go to the Expressway or there is the option of going to the Eskimo Prince the week after against his own age.”

Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement wasn’t fully extended in finishing third in the trial with Jason Collett riding.

Trainer Chris Waller is likely to give Press Statement another barrier trial before the valuable colt resumes next month.

Stablemate Boban looked sharp enough, suggesting he can enhance an already impressive first-up record when he also resumes next month.

Boban has been set for the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 13.

In the past 12 months his first-up wins include the Group One Doomben 10,000 and the Group One Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.

Gary Portelli’s Group One winner Rebel Dane filled the minor placing in his 830m barrier trial won by the Gai Waterhouse-trained Al Nader from stablemate Zoutenant.

Rebel Dane is also expected to make his return to racing in Melbourne with Portelli eyeing the Group Two Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley on January 23.

The entire is then scheduled for a clash with Boban in the CF Orr before contesting the Group One Futurity Stakes.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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