Horse Racing
Lazzat one of the headliners for James Doyle on stellar book of World Cup night rides
James Doyle is eager for Riyadh revenge aboard Lazzat, as his Royal Ascot sprint hero headlines a crack book of rides on Dubai World Cup night that also includes the chance spare aboard Marco Botti’s Giavellotto.
Jerome Reynier’s speedster Lazzat has been without success since striking on his first outing in the Wathnan Racing silks in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in the summer, but went close when beaten a neck in Saudi Arabia last month when the five-year-old’s chance was hindered by a wide draw.
The French raider will now look to turn the tables on American challenger Reef Runner – who will be partnered by Doyle’s great friend William Buick – in the Al Quoz Sprint, with the owners’ retained rider predicting a bold bid.
Doyle said: “I’m really looking forward to Lazzat and he looks the one to beat doesn’t he in the sprint.
“He’ll be looking for a bit of revenge for Saudi, but he was drawn really wide there and had to use up a lot of petrol. Hopefully we get a good clean shot at it and he can run really well.
“He’s uncomplicated and it doesn’t really matter to him whether if it’s a straight track or whatever, but a nice draw in the middle is a plus.”
Doyle has a stellar selection of mounts for the 30th anniversary of Meydan’s showpiece fixture, including the hat-trick-seeking David Of Athens in the Godolphin Mile and Tumbarumba in the World Cup itself for his employers Wathnan.
Unbeaten Japanese prospect and UAE Derby favourite Pyromancer is also slated against the 37-year-old’s name, and he is relishing the chance to link-up with eight-time winner Giavellotto when he faces off against the might of world horse of the year Calandagan in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Doyle added: “He’s a star horse and geez he’s been great for his team, winning a Hong Kong Vase and a whole heap of top races.
“Calandagan will be tough to beat, but I have a very willing partner who goes into the race in great order.”
