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Rehana primed for Cape Verdi outing at Meydan

3 minute read

Michael Halford reports Rehana to be in tip-top shape as the Aga Khan-owned four-year-old bids for Group Two honours in the Cape Verdi at Meydan on Thursday.

The County Kildare handler was delighted with her effort when fourth behind D'Bai two weeks ago, on her first start since finishing fourth to Limato in the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket.

Most of her races have been over seven furlongs, but she tackles a mile for only the second time having been sixth to Winter in the Irish 1,000 Guineas on her only other attempt.

"She's in super form. She's been training really well and all has gone well with her since her fist run out here, which we were very pleased with," said Halford.

"She's not short of pace. We think she'll get the mile and Pat (Smullen) is happy she'll get it, so we'll take our chances.

"We are looking forward to a good run from her."

Promising Run made a successful reappearance last year and her trainer Saeed bin Suroor is expecting a prominent showing from the Godolphin-owned five-year-old on her first run of 2018.

"Promising Run doesn't show a great deal in the mornings, but her work has been OK," Bin Suroor told www.godolphin.com.

"This looks a tough race, but she won the Al Rashidiya on her first start of last year and we are looking for a good run."

Opal Tiara will try to go one better for trainer Mick Channon after going down by only half a length to the Bin Suroor-trained Very Special 12 months ago.

She showed her well-being when third to Benbatl in a nine-furlong handicap on this course two weeks ago.

Other British interests are served by David Simcock's Singyoursong and Absolute Blast from Archie Watson's stable in an eight-runner line-up.

The card also features the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, with Richard Hannon's Horris Hill runner-up Tangled going in division two.

Hannon said on www.richardhannonracing.co.uk: "He is in great form and has settled in really well.

"The dirt is a big unknown, but we will never know unless we try. He heads there well clear in the weights, but he needs to handle the surface.

"Sean (Levey) knows him and so I hope he can run a big race."