Godolphin are optimistic of a good run from Hi Dubai in the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom today.
The Dubai team have already landed three victories in the fillies’ Classic with Balanchine in 1994, with Moonshell 12 months later and with Kazzia last year and hopes are high that the Frankie Dettori-ridden Hi Dubai can make it number four.
“We think she’s got a great chance,” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told Radio 5 Live.
“This filly is a full-sister to our champion Fantastic Light and so she really does have a Classic pedigree. She’s going into the race in the peak of condition. Her preparation has been superb and she looks great.
“Her races so far have been really encouraging and positive but this is another step forward.
“It’s going to be a very big task. We think she’ll be up to it. The track will suit her, the distance will be perfect but let’s see if she can find that extra two or three lengths to make her a champion.”
Dettori rode Godolphin’s three previous winners and is expected to have Hi Dubai in a prominent position once the race gets under way.
“Obviously on the big occasion it is a great asset to have Frankie on your side,” Crisford went on, “and he’ll give her a really positive ride. I would imagine he’ll sit fairly handy and kick three out.”
Crisford is not so confident about the chances of Graikos, the Godolphin representative in the Vodafone Derby tomorrow.
He said: “He’s a big outsider. On all known evidence he has to improve a lot to get into the shake-up.
“If there is a massive amount of rain between now and tomorrow his chances will increase but otherwise I think Frankie will have to wait another year for his first Derby.”