Trained by Charlie Appleby, Tryster will be having only a fourth turf outing, having established himself as a strong performer on synthetic all-weather surfaces with six wins from as many outings.
It was hoped he could reproduce that level of form on dirt but connections have decided against that option, switching to turf at Meydan Thursday.
Appleby said: “We seriously considered running him on dirt but, on balance, the style of racing and actual surface were not likely to allow him to use his telling turn of foot to best effect. So we are trying him back on turf where, hopefully, he will get a fast pace to aim at in the straight. He won on fast ground at Brighton but nothing has gone right for him on two subsequent turf outings.
“If he fails to show his form this evening, we will revert to the all-weather but we are hopeful as he looks amazing and has been working well.”
Fellow Godolphin handler Saeed bin Suroor, seeking a fourth consecutive win in the race, relies on Haafaguinea, a 2400m turf handicap winner on his return four weeks ago. Stable jockey, James Doyle, has appendicitis so Freddy Tylicki takes the ride on a horse who also won twice over this evening’s course and distance last year.
Bin Suroor said: “This is a step up in class but he deserves it, is in good form and goes particularly well at Meydan.”
South African Mike de Kock saddles two with Sanshaawes, the mount of Christophe Soumillon and a course and distance winner already this season, looking the stable’s first choice over the Wayne Smith-ridden Tellina.
De Kock said: “Both are fit and well. Tellina has not really fired yet but looks in good form at home.
“Sanshaawes is tough, consistent and has conditions to suit. Hopefully, both can be competitive in an open looking contest.” De Kock also saddles a fascinating contender in the 1900m dirt handicap in the shape of Etijaal, a Group One winner in South Africa.
Second three weeks ago in the Group 2 Al Rashidiya, over 1800m on turf and his first UAE outing, he will be making his dirt debut here.
Owned and bred by Sheikh Hamdan, he has to give weight to 13 rivals and a big performance here could see him aimed at the World Cup itself. If not, he will revert to a big race turf target on the night, probably the 2400m Sheema Classic.
De Kock said: “He is a proven Group One performer on turf but his pedigree and work suggests the dirt will suit. Sheikh Hamdan is keen to try him on it so here we are.
“If it does not work, we can always go back on the turf route.”
