LIBRISA BREEZE has settled in well in Dubai ahead of his date with destiny in Meydan on Saturday in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint.
The 6yo son of Mount Nelson flew out last Friday and arrived in the early hours of Saturday. On Monday he did a gentle canter on the training track under his groom, Emily Crossman. The big difference Librisa will have noticed is in the contrasting temperatures. After the recent freezing temperatures experienced at home, he now finds himself basking in very hot sunshine, well into the 30s.
The pre-race preparation back home has gone very well with the 119-rated grey doing a very nice piece of work at Kempton Park earlier in the month. He’s certainly not gone out to Meydan to make up the numbers as explained to the Racing Post:
“I think he’s got every chance. I wouldn’t be sending him all that way just to take part – I’m going with the intention of having a big run.”
His finest hour to date came in the six furlong Champions Sprint at the Berkshire track last October when beating Tasleet to win the £340,000 first prize for owner, Tony Bloom. The ground was soft that day and there’s no doubt his best form is with give underfoot. The going in Meydan is currently Good and Librisa has will be coming out of stall three, the same as last year’s winner, The Right Man.
Robert Winston, who has ridden him every time since the horse came to Harper Lodge Farm over two years ago is again on board. Frankie Dettori is on board the other British grey in the race, Magical Memory and the two are pictured meeting up earlier this week.
The hot favourite is Godolphin’s Blue Point at a shade of odds-on but Librisa, the top rated-horse in the race is no forlone hope at 10/1.