A run in Flemington’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes this autumn could lead to the Michael Kent-trained Supido heading to Dubai on World Cup Night, March 31.
Supido could head to Dubai for the Al Quoz Sprint after a first-up run in February’s Black Caviar Lightning. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The prestigious Group 1 US$1 million Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan Racecourse could be on the agenda for both Supido as well as fellow Aussie entrant Music Magnate.
Paul Messara’s former champion mare Ortensia (2012) and the Robert Heathcote-trained Queenslander Buffering (2016) have previously been successful for Australia in the Al Quoz Sprint.
Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker has not ruled out an overseas bid for former Doomben 10,000 winner Music Magnate, while the Dubai riches could also lure Sebring entire Supido.
Cranbourne horseman Kent is considering the Dubai race for his lightly-raced six-year-old in an attempt to increase Supido’s future value at stud.
“Dubai is definitely an option we are looking at with Supido,” Kent told Racing Victoria.
“He is a stallion and we are trying to get that Group 1 win with him, who knows he could be another Spirit Of Boom?”
A winner of seven of his 14 career starts to date, Supido was last seen running fifth when beating home just one runner in Moonee Valley’s Group 2 $200,000 McEwen Stakes (1000m) on September 9.
That followed the sprinter’s Caulfield Group 3 win in the $150,000 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) in mid-July.
Supido has been tested at elite level three times to date with his best result the three-quarter length third behind Black Heart Bart in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide back in May of 2016.
His latest Group 1 assignment produced a disappointing 13th of 14 runners behind Russian Revolution at Rosehill Gardens in March when a Heavy (10) track hampered his chances in the $700,000 The Galaxy (1100m).
Kent will give Supido another chance to atone for his luckless Group 1 form first-up at Flemington Racecourse on February 17 in the $750,000 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m).
From there a decision will be made on whether to remain in Australia pressing onto the riches of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival or make the trip to Dubai.
“The plan is to run first-up in the Lightning but it is not going to be easy as we are likely to run in to Redzel,” Kent said, conceding Team Snowden’s The Everest – Darley Classic double winner Redzel as the one to beat fresh.
“If we go to Dubai it basically rules out the Sydney carnival but it is a decision we need to make to see what is the best option to try and win a Group 1.”