Lemaire, Buick to wage Turf War
DUBAI Romantic Warrior will start as a short-priced favourite in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1,800m) at Meydan on April 5, but there will be no shortage of rivals keen to rattle his cage.
Bidding for a record 11th Group 1 win by a Hong Kong horse and his fourth Group 1 triumph in an overseas jurisdiction, Romantic Warrior faces a formidable squad of Japanese contenders led by Liberty Island, Soul Rush, Brede Weg and Meisho Tabaru as well as last year's winner Facteur Cheval and fellow Group 1 winner Nations Pride.
International jockeys Christophe Lemaire and William Buick are certainly hanging on to some hope the Hong Kong superstar is not unbeatable in the US$5 million (S$6.69 million) race.
Japan-based Frenchman Lemaire concedes Japan's finest middle-distance horses face a monumental challenge, but neither is he ruling out a giant-killing act.
Lemaire, who was the regular partner of Japanese wonder mare Equinox, will team up with Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2,000m) winner Brede Weg and believes the lightly raced mare can pose a serious threat to Romantic Warrior.
"I saw her work yesterday and she is a very talented filly," said Lemaire.
"I think the mile was a bit short for her (last start), so the extra 200 metres will suit her. She has got a very good turn of foot and this will be her second run of the year.
"She should perform very well - even in such a competitive field, she has a very good chance in my opinion."
Godolphin's No. 1 jockey Buick is similarly effusive about four-time Group 1 winner Nations Pride.
"He's had a nice break since his last run," Buick said of Charlie Appleby's charge.
"I think we can expect a little bit of improvement in him.
"We've got Romantic Warrior in the race and he's going to be a tough opponent, as well as others.
"Nations Pride always does his best. He's uncomplicated and he's got genuine Group 1 form.
"He doesn't quite get the credit he deserves, but he's taking on one of the world's best." HKJC
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