Richard Hannon: “We’re expecting a very bold show”

3:00 G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes

Lusail (Pat Dobbs)

The form of his win in the July Stakes couldn’t have worked out any better with the second, Asymmetric, winning the Richmond and Ebro River scoring in the Phoenix Stakes last time so that obviously gives us plenty of confidence and we decided to pull him out of Goodwood because of the ground. The good thing about Lusail is that he’s incredibly easy to train, he isn’t flashy in his work, but neither is Snow Lantern, yet seems to come alive on the race track and he already has experience at York having won on debut. This is no ‘gimme’ but there’s no doubt he has the best form coming into it and we’ll obviously be disappointed if he doesn’t go close to winning.

4:10 Convivial Maiden

Dawn Of Liberation (Pat Dobbs)

He ran a great race at Newbury when we expected him to need the run yet he still put up a very good performance to finish third in what was a typically good Novice. He’s improved a lot mentally and physically since then so arrives here in top form and we’re expecting a very bold show.

Sharvara (Ryan Moore)

He’s a real nice colt by Kingman from the family of Canford Cliffs who’s been showing plenty at home to warrant running in a Maiden like this first time out but, as with many of ours, I do expect him to come on for the run. That said he certainly won’t disgrace himself and hopefully can go well for Middleham Park Racing.