Horse Racing

Zarooni Takes Box Seat For UAE 1,000 Guineas

Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is undoubtedly in the pole position ahead of this Friday’s running of the UAE 1000 Guineas.

Just seven horses were nominated for the first Classic of the UAE season and Al Zarooni is responsible for two of them.

They’re not just hopes either with both Gamilati and Pimpernel considered race favourites.

Gamilati comes in off a big win in the 7f preview race while Pimpernel ran second in the 2011 Group 2 Rockfel Stakes and then won the Listed Radley Stakes.

Pimpernel will have a change of rider from both those starts though with Frankie Dettori to stick with Gamilati who he won with at his past two starts.

Zarooni says both horses are in with a shot but purely in terms of fitness he’s leaning towards Gamilati.

“They are both very nice fillies with very good form in Europe but Gamilati has that run under her belt this year and has proved herself on the Meydan Tapeta,” he said.

“Mickael Barzalona will ride Pimpernel and they should both run well but that race fitness does suggest Gamilati is our best chance.”

One of the major threats to Al Zarooni will be Alsindi which finished second to her three weeks back in the trial race.

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