Presvis Makes 2011 Debut in Al Rashidiya

Group I winning-globetrotter Presvis makes his seasonal debut Jan. 27  in the Al Rashidiya-Sponsored by Gulf News (UAE-IIT) at Meydan Race Course. The nine-furlong turf contest highlights the third night of the 2011 Dubai Carnival.

Trained by Luca Cumani for owner Leonidas Marinopoulos, Presvis will be making his first start since finishing a disappointing ninth-place finish last June in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot. A winner at each of the last two Carnivals, Presvis turned in an impressive performance to capture the 2010 Jebel Hatta (UAE-IIT), scoring by 1 ½-lengths over Alexandros. The son of Sakhee was also a sharp second to champion Gladiatorus in the 2009 Dubai Duty Free (UAE-IT) at Nad Al Sheba.

The connections of the 7-year-old gelding are hopeful of their chances, with Cumani’s assistant trainer, Charlie Henson telling The Racing Post, “He has been off a long time now and is sure to improve from the run, but he looks in good shape and enjoys his time in Dubai.”

Ryan Moore has the mount.

Trainer Mike de Kock has a strong contender in Irish Flame, a 5-year-old South African-bred colt by Dynasty. A winner of six of 11 lifetime starts, Irish Flame had a banner year in 2010, capturing the Daily News 2000 (SAf-I), the S.A. Derby (SAf-I), and the Gold Circle Derby (SAf-II). He capped off his season with a narrow defeat to stablemate Bold Silvano in the Vodacom Durban July (SAf-I).

Regular rider Kevin Shea will be aboard.

Godolphin will be represented by two runners in the Al Rashidiya. Frozen Power will be making his second start this season for trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni. The son of Oasis Dream will be hoping to make amends for his seventh-place finish to Mendip in the Al Maktoum Challenge-Round I Sponsored by Longines (UAE-III).

Frozen Power as always been well-regarded by the Godolphin team, and competed in several top races as a 3-year-old last year. A half-brother to champion Finsceal Beo, Frozen Power captured the Mehl Muhlens-Rennen-German Two Thousand Guineas (Ger-II) in May. Jockey Mickael Barzalona will ride.

Saeed bin Suroor trains the other half of the Godolphin entry, Caymans. The Australian-bred 6-year-old gelding has been lightly-raced due to various minor ailments, and has made just 10 career starts. He has shown plenty of ability despite his brief career, with his best result coming with a victory in the 2008 Betfair Sandown Guineas (Aus-II).

Frankie Dettori will be aboard.

Other contenders include Sea Lord, a 4-year-old colt by Cape Cross who hails from the rich female family of champions/grade I winners Numbered Account, Rhythm, Girolamo  , and Super Saver  , and the hard-knocking Bushman, a tough 7-year-old gelding trained by David Simcock.

$200,000 Al Rashidiya-Sponsored by Gulf News (gr. II, race 6, 12:45 p.m. EST), 3yo (SH-Bred) and Up, 9 furlongs (turf).

PP, Horse, Wgt., Jockey, Trainer

1. Sea Lord (Ire), 127, A. Ajtebi, M. Al Zarooni
2. Bushman (GB), 126, J. Spencer, D. Simcock
3. Tequilla Heights (Brz), 126, B. Reis, E. Martins
4. Bribone (Fr), 126, R. Mullen, S. Seemar
5. Le Drakkar (Aus), 126, C.P. Lemaire, A. bin Huzaim
6. Irish Flame (SAf), 129, K. Shea, M. de Kock
7. Caymans (Aus), 126, L. Dettori, S. bin Suroor
8. Steele Tango (KY), 126, T. Durcan, R. Teal
9. Grand Hombre (KY), 126, R. Burke, R. Bouresly
10. Tam Lin (GB), 126, P. Cosgrave, M. bin Shafya
11. Frozen Power (Ire), 124, M. Barzalona, M. Al Zarooni
12. Third Set (Ire), 126, R. Hills, I. Mohammed
13. Presvis (GB), 126, R. Moore, L. Cumani