De Kock team back ready for action in Dubai
Nad Al Sheba
MIKE DE KOCK, by far the most successful international trainer at the Dubai Carnival, saddles his first UAE runner of the season on Thursday when Valiance runs at Nad Al Sheba.
The South African is set to handle his largest-ever Dubai-based string at the 2009 carnival, which starts next month.
Several well-known names will figure among his 40-strong contingent, headed by Hong Kong-bound Eagle Mountain and Dubai regulars Asiatic Boy, Honour Devil and Royal Vintage.
Sheema Classic winner Sun Classique, seriously injured before the Falmouth Stakes, is also on the way back.
Assistant trainer Trevor Brown has been supervising the 20 horses already in Dubai and he explains: "We think we have them as fit as we can at home so it is a case of getting a couple on the track to see exactly where we stand.
"It has not been so easy this year as we do not have the grass gallop to use which was available previously."
Valiance gets the ball rolling in a 6f handicap on Thursday. "He is ready for an outing but will certainly improve for it," said Brown. "He would not be well handicapped either but should not be disgraced."
Stable companion Zajel will face eight rivals in a 5f sprint at Jebel Ali on Friday afternoon.
"He, too, will certainly need the run - it will just be nice to get back in action with hopefully an exciting season ahead."
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