The horse Phoenix Ladies Principal Pamela Cordina has described as being “particularly excited by” is due to make his debut at Meydan on Thursday.
The all-female syndicate hold hopes that Jukebox King, a recruit from the Ocala two-year-olds in training sale, can follow in the hoof-prints of last season’s heroes Walking Thunder and Superior and prove to be an early-season success. By the famed Claiborne Farm stallion First Samurai out of Juke, by Mr. Prospector, the juvenile is clearly held in high regard, but trainer Ahmed bin Harmash is cautious in the assessment of his colt’s chances.
“Jukebox King is doing very well, as well, but, like with our other horses, 1400m is not what he wants, but we will start here.” explained the trainer. “This is the distance you have and they need to run because we are pointing them to the UAE Derby.
“Normally, I like to see all my horses all showing a good speed in the race and to (try) in the end,” Bin Harmash continued. “We have seen that so far with our horses, so that’s good. We are buying for class racing, so we look down the road to the UAE 2000 Guineas, UAE Oaks and UAE Derby when I buy them as two-year-olds.”
It could be a busy few days for Phoenix Ladies with Endless Gold also lining-up at Meydan. None the worse for wear after being pulled-up as a precaution at Jebel Ali the former Godolphin owned runner takes his chance in Longines Conquest Classic maiden. In Australia, the promising Mick Price trained Euphoric Summer is declared for the Magic Millions Clockwise Stakes at Ballarat. Meanwhile, the former Dubai trained Ariette Du Rue is entered to make her second UK start, set to step up in trip at Lingfield on Saturday.