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Dubai: Star Crowned may have to make his own running in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr 1), sponsored by Gulf News, to have the best chance of supplying his owner-trainer Rashid Bouresly with a landmark first win at Saturday's Dubai World Cup (Gr 1) meeting.
Knowing that traffic problems can upset all plans in a 1,200-metre sprint, Bouresly said jockey Mick Kinane could be forced to resort to pacemaking tactics to ensure his horse had the best chance.
Speaking to Gulf News on Sunday, the Dubai-based Kuwaiti businessman said he was confident that if Star Crowned had luck in the running, he would be there at the finish.
"The Golden Shaheen is going to be a very tactical race, the smartest horse and jockey, will win," said Bouresly. "We will not be taking any chances. The aim will be to secure a clear passage and ensure that the horse is given the opportunity to run his best.
"It's a race where only the swiftest will survive. There are some very good horses in the race, but we hope Star Crowned can produce something special on the day.
"He's a very, very good horse as he showed us when breaking the track record last month to clock 56.30. If he repeats that performance he will have a big chance," added the trainer.
'One of the best jockeys'
"Mike is one of the best jockeys in the world, he knows how to ride him to bring out his best. My only concern is the draw. I would like my horse to be drawn somewhere in the middle, as the middle of the course and the near rail is the best."
Star Crowned has been one of the outstanding sprinters this season, winning two out of four starts and placing in two other, including in Group company when a respectable second to Diabolical in the Mahab Al Shimaal on Super Thursday.
Boursely reports that the five-year-old son of Kingmabo, who was formerly raced by Brian Meehan in the UK, has been working well and is in top condition.
"He's done everything we've asked of him since his last start," said the trainer. "His progress has been smooth and we could not be more happier than with him going in to the big race.
"He will do one last piece of fast work, perhaps on Tuesday, just to sharpen him up, and then we'll give him a couple of days off, so that he will be fresh on Saturday.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes well the next couple of days and that we can have some luck on the big night. We've very excited and looking forward to the race."
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