Pride Of Dubai is different to Peter Snowden’s two Blue Diamond winners but the Sydney trainer won’t be shocked if the colt can produce the same result as Sepoy and Earthquake.
Snowden says Sepoy and Earthquake were more precocious than Pride Of Dubai because they had natural speed to race near the front.
But he is adamant Pride Of Dubai can unleash a sprint capable of putting himself into the $1 million race when it matters.
“He’s had two starts, both times he’s been worse than midfield so it’s obvious he hasn’t got good natural pace but what he’s got is a good turn of foot,” Snowden said.
“Good quality horses can do special things and this horse has shown me on the track that he has got the ability to do those special things.
“I think he showed a glimpse of that at his last start.”
Pride Of Dubai, who has placed in his two starts, was a late entry for the Blue Diamond after he powered home in the colts and geldings Prelude to be beaten in a photo by Of The Brave.
Snowden said the colt had taken natural improvement from that run and expected the rise to 1200m to be in his favour.
But he is concerned about unbeaten favourite Fontiton, rating her the horse to beat.
The Robert Smerdon-trained Fontiton has firmed from $2.55 to $2.20 since Tuesday’s barrier draw.
Pride Of Dubai is at $6 after opening at $5.50.
“He (Pride Of Dubai) is drawn a nice gate to get a midfield run and hopefully he’s strong enough at the end to pick up the Melbourne filly (Fontiton),” Snowden said.
“She’s three from three and she’s the benchmark.”
Pride Of Dubai arrived in Melbourne on Thursday morning and Snowden said the trip didn’t worry the youngster.
“He arrived better this morning than what he did when he first went down,” Snowden said.
