Dubai World Cup: Trainer Mike De Kock wants another super Saturday

South African trainer Mike de Kock is aiming for another super Saturday of results on Dubai World Cup night.

Trinniberg, above, and Mental will be the the top two to challenge Krypton Factor in the Dubai Golden Shaheen.
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Dubai Golden Shaheen

Mental and Trinniberg head the Golden Shaheen field against the defending champion Krypton Factor.

"Sprinters are often on their toes and a bit fresh but this horse is very relaxed and calm," the Emirati trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni said of Mental. "This time he will wear blinkers like he used to do in Australia. That should make him a bit sharper from the stalls."

UAE Derby

Aiden O'Brien last year ended the domination of the Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor and the South African Mike de Kock, who between them had saddled the first 12 winners of the race. The Irishman sent Daddy Long Legs to win the race for three-year-olds and runs Lines Of Battle against three Godolphin entries and two from De Kock.

"He's trying a new trip and a new surface," O'Brien said of his Derby hope Lines Of Battle. "But he won well on Polytrack at Dundalk last year and we're happy with him for his first run of the year."

Dubai Gold Cup

Godolphin holds all the aces in the 3,200m race with Cavalryman, Tenenbaum and Ahzeemah.

Saeed bin Suroor, who trains Cavalryman, said: "The step back up to two miles will suit him. We are looking for an excellent run from him."

Mahmood Al Zarooni trains the other two, and said of Tenenbaum: "Now he has had the run, I hope he will be much sharper."

Aidan O'Brien's Imperial Monarch heads the international entries and the trainer said: "His best form last year was over 2,400m and he's trying a new trip. … It is a bit of an experiment and, if he does stay, it will open up lots more options for him."

Al Quoz Sprint

Mike de Kock is expecting a similar result to Shea Shea's victory on Super Saturday.

"He must have a serious chance but this is a stronger race and I see the American horse Varsity has a blisteringly fast winning time to his credit," he said. "He would be a big danger if showing that kind of speed but Shea Shea is at least as well as he was three weeks ago, hopefully a bit better."

Sole Power, the runner-up in this race last year, also chased home Shea Shea three weeks ago but has been pleasing connections in his work.

"We have two and a half lengths to make up on Shea Shea from last time but we're hoping he might do it," said Edward Lynam, the trainer for Sole Power.

Godolphin Mile

Soft Falling Rain will be attempting to extend his winning streak to seven from seven starts.

The National Assembly colt has already impressed by bagging the UAE 2000 Guineas trial and a race over the course and distance. This would yet be his most difficult test against older horses with Group 1 form.

The international entries are headed by Sarkyla of France, while Godolphin has three entered and Mike de Kock has two.

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