NEWS
Invasor right on cue with bullet work in preparation for Dubai World Cup
Posted: Saturday, March 17, 2007 1:26 PM
INVASOR
Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo
A threat of thunderstorms on Saturday forced trainer Kiaran McLaughlin to shift training plans for 2006 Horse of the year Invasor (Arg), but the four-time Grade 1 winner performed on cue Friday with a bullet work that signaled his readiness for an expected start in the $6-million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1).
The five-year-old Candy Stripes horse worked five furlongs under regular exercise rider Danny Wright in :59.60 handily, the best of 19 timed works at the distance at Palm Meadows Training Center. The move was exactly what McLaughlin hoped for from the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) winner.
“We wanted to have a decent work because it’s his last before he leaves,” McLaughlin said. “It was perfect.”
McLaughlin said Invasor, who will be shipped on Tuesday to Dubai, galloped out six furlongs in 1:13 and has been right on target in his preparations for the Dubai World Cup.
“It’s gone very smoothly,” said McLaughlin, who trains Invasor for owner Shadwell Stable. “He makes our life easy because he does everything so well. He’s such a professional and great to be around.”
Invasor will likely face undefeated Grade 1 winner Discreet Cat and Premium Tap, winner of the 2006 Clark Handicap (G1), in the 2,000-meter (9.94-furlong) World Cup at Nad al Sheba racecourse.
Discreet Cat handed Invasor his only career defeat last year at Nad al Sheba in the S & M al Naboodah Group United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2).
