Gunnevera quietly preparing to make his mark at Dubai World Cup

Alex Broun 23:25 27/03/2018
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  • Gunnevera is shaping up well for the Dubai World Cup

    With all the focus on favourites West Coast, Forever Unbridled and Talismanic, American 4-year-old Gunnevera has stepped up his preparations for the Dubai World Cup and may yet spring a big surprise come Saturday.

    Trainer Antonio Sano and owner Solomon Del-Valle watched the thoroughbred roll through a gallop of about 2400m at Meydan on Tuesday morning just after 07:00 as exercise rider Victor O’Farell held the son of Dialed In.

    “He looks very good,” Sano said. “He maybe lost a little weight after the long flight over here, but he is in very good condition.”

    Sano is determined not to overwork his charge and there are no plans for Gunnevera to do any speed work while in Dubai.

    The Venezuelan noted that the chestnut drilled three times in March at Gulfstream Park West prior to shipping to the UAE, including a 1400m workout in a brisk 1:24 on March 10.

    Gunnevera is not an easy horse to be around in the barn, with Sano noting that he is infamous for biting his caretakers, but the trainer described him as the “best horse of my life,” and if there is a solid pace in the Dubai World Cup, Sano said he expects Gunnevera to be charging forward at the end.

    “He’s got a big chance to win,” added Del-Valle.

    Meanwhile, another DWC contender Furia Cruzada was kept away from the crowds and closer to his stable by trainer Erwan Charpy in order to maintain a quieter environment for a 6-year-old mare who can be flighty on occasion.

    “She cantered for about 2000m out the back today,” Charpy said.

    “She’s in good shape and seems very happy. With her, it’s always a day-by-day thing, so I’m not sure what we’ll do on Wednesday.

    “The owners are coming for the post position draw and everyone seems very excited.”

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