Mile high on Godolphin agenda
Kerrin McEvoy is looking forward to riding fast-improving colt Elusive Warning in Saturday’s Godolphin Mile at Nad Al Sheba.
Tipped by Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford as Saeed bin Suroor’s best chance of victory on World Cup night, the four-year-old limbered up for the Group Two heat with a third-placed finish in the Etisalat Hotspot Stakes in February.
Elusive Warning then lowered the colours of stablemate and fellow Godolphin Mile contender Blackat Blackitten by half a length in a Group Three earlier this month.
McEvoy was in the saddle on that occasion and expects another big performance from the son of Elusive Quality.
“He should have a good chance,” said the 27-year-old Australian.
“He has had four runs and three wins, two of them in America.
“First time here he ran quick over six furlongs when Frankie (Dettori) rode him and stepped up to the mile when I rode him and he gave me a good feel. I think he is still improving.
“He now steps up to Godolphin Mile company and I think he has a good chance.”
Dettori guided Blackat Blackitten to two victories on the Nad Al Sheba dirt prior to his defeat by Elusive Warning and hopes to reverse form with that rival.
“He has had a very successful Carnival,” reflected the Italian rider, a four-time Godolphin Mile winner.
“It was tough choice for me. Elusive Warning beat me before – maybe with a better draw I could have finished better.
“But I decided to stick with what I know, it was a 50-50 decision. Kerrin has done extremely well on Elusive Warning.
“He could easily beat me, but I could easily close the gap.”
