UAE: Connections of Equinox, Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year, are eyeing the Breeders’ Cup Turf as a long-term target for the four-year-old, who is a short-priced favourite for this weekend’s Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
Currently standing at #7 on Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings, Equinox was the highest-rated three-year-old in the world in 2022, when he was runner-up in two Classics before an impressive victory in the Arima Kinen, Japan’s end-of-season grand prix. He also beat Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Probable fields released for Dubai World Cup card
Like the great Almond Eye, who won the Dubai Turf in 2019, Equinox carries the colours of the Silk Racing syndicate, with more than 500 fans sharing in the ownership.
Silk Racing chief executive Masashi Yonemoto ruled out a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – but said the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita could feature on the colt’s agenda.
“There are quite attractive races at home, such as the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the Japan Cup,” said Yonemoto. “However, I think the Breeders' Cup Turf is an attractive option. It is important for him to do well here if we are to travel again but I think the Breeders' Cup would be better than the Arc, especially with the ground.”
Although they were barely sighted at last year’s Breeders’ Cup, Japanese horses made their mark with a historic double at Del Mar in 2021 courtesy of Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine.
"I think this season is when we will see the best of him and I think this race is a good challenge for him,” added Yonemoto. “Hopefully, he can prove he is a great horse."
Trainer Tetsuya Kimura is in Dubai to oversee preparations ahead of the Dubai World Cup card at Meydan, where he saddles Geoglyph in the $12 million feature event.
“This is his first overseas trip and he's still getting used to his new surroundings, although I think he's getting better day by day and I am happy with how he moved this morning,” said Kimura after watching Equinox have a spin on Tuesday morning.
“I know that this horse has plenty of talent and I hope that he can live up to the expectations of Japanese race fans by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic.”
Christophe Lemaire retains the ride on Equinox. “This is a tough race but Christophe knows Meydan and knows this horse so I am not concerned,” Kimura said, speaking to the Dubai Racing Club media team.
“There have been some very good winners of the Dubai Sheema Classic and so I respect how difficult it will be. It is an honour to be here with a horse like Equinox.”
Kimura-trained Geoglyph bids to improve on his fourth place in the Saudi Cup as he clashes again with compatriot Panthalassa in the Dubai World Cup.
"I have been very happy with him since he arrived here," Kimura said. "He was fourth by a close margin and it was his first dirt race so I was satisfied with that performance. I think his experience in Saudi Arabia will help him here.
"He worked well this morning along with Equinox,” the trainer went on. “I think this is a more suitable race, stepping up to 2,000 metres, and I hope that he can run another good race on Saturday."
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