Mike de Kock is looking to Musir and Golden Sword to give him a first success in the Dubai World Cup following the forced withdrawal of Bold Silvano.
The South African trainer had the disappointment of having to take out his number one fancy eased by the knowledge it allows Golden Sword into the world’s richest race at Meydan on Saturday.
“He bruised his foot, nothing major but enough to keep him off the track for a few days but he is fine now and working great. So far, Plan B is going well with him, but Saturday will be the proof,” De Kock said.
“It is no secret that we wanted to run Golden Sword in the Dubai World Cup as he has been a revelation on the all-weather.
“He is working very well and certainly seems to be back to something like his best.
“His form in Europe suggests he will handle the conditions.”
Musir stepped into Bold Silvano’s shoes when beating all bar Dubai World Cup favourite Twice Over in the third and final round of the Al Maktoum Challenge.
“You have to think he stayed, as he was only beaten by one horse. Hopefully he has come on from that run and he is a great second string to our World Cup bow,” he added.
Twice Over, trained by Henry Cecil, had a steady canter over half a mile (800m) on the main track at Meydan under his regular jockey Tom Queally.
The six-year-old was reported on good terms with himself in this very easy piece of work.
Irish raider Cape Blanco is expected to arrive in Dubai on Tuesday.
The earliest Aidan O’Brien’s horse can make an appearance on the track will be Thursday.
PA gm
