HELISSIO, the runaway Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner whose Dubai World Cup bid on March 29th is still in doubt, was, put through his paces in the Emirate yesterday morning.
After, a steady warm up canter, Europe's highest rated horse of 1996 breezed a mile and cruised past his lead horse, Al Jathaab, at the two-furlong marker.
Trainer Elie Lellouche, has voiced doubts about Helissio's ability to act on sand, but he should know more come tomorrow when Olivier Peslier will partner Helisso in his first serious piece of work. Mark Johnston's contender, Bijou d'Inde, signalled his intent with a couple of canters before breezing three furlongs under Jason Weaver.
The Royal Ascot-winning colt is to get his first taste of sand and lights on Sunday when he contests a nine furlong conditions event at Nad Al Sheba. His rivals will include Key Of Luck, the 20-lengths winner of the Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai World Cup reserve race, last year.
Other British challengers warming up for the World Cup were Mark Tompkins's 2,000 Guineas second, Even Top, and John Gosden's triple Group One hero, Flemensfirth.
Willie, Carson, who announced his retirement, from the saddle last Sunday, has joined the BBC for the forthcoming Flat season. He will work throughout the season on, television and will cover the five Classics for Radio Five Live.
