Watson has string to stay at the top

In seven days’ time the wait will finally be over. Action gets under way at Nad Al Sheba for the Winter Racing Challenge before the ultra-competitive International Racing Carnival in January.

The temperature should be spot on next week and most trainers have a good idea which of their charges is likely to represent their yard on opening night. I was lucky enough to visit Doug Watson’s Red Stable during the week. From there the spike of the world’s tallest building could just about be seen from behind the barn that is currently home to a squadron of quality horses who, it will be hoped, can tower over their rivals.

Now is always an exciting time as expectations are high, on the evidence I have seen, Watson has a quality string. While he narrowly regained his champion trainer status last campaign, this year has the potential to be his best yet.

As we wait for the first equine athlete to strut its stuff on the carpet-like lawn, the conversation turns to that of bygone years: “When I first arrived here horse racing had only just started and the biggest thing we looked forward to was the jockeys’ challenge,” Watson said.

“Look how things have moved on. We have the best racing in the world during the Carnival and also stage the richest race in the world.”

As the chat gets into full swing we are interrupted by Tasdeer, a cracking-looking three-year-old colt formerly trained in England who stands to attention as the camera rolls.

A winner of three from nine starts, he looks a horse worthy of being stabled in a championship yard.

His second to subsequent G1 winner Paco Boy in March is serious form and his debut here will be highly anticipated.
Bounty Quest, who is now back under the Watson banner, also comes out for a share of the limelight and while he doesn’t mind standing there for a few minutes, it’s not long before he starts pawing at the ground to get back to his grub and is hastily returned to the comfort of his box. He looks in fine fettle though.

Eyecatchers

I could go on, and the list is endless, but the eyecatcher has to be Romans Run, whose dark glimmering coat and well proportioned physique are sure to stand him in good stead on the track.

He is expected to make his seasonal bow before the Carnival and is still unexposed. He is certainly worth noting and looks more than an exciting prospect.

The consistent Arabian, Paris Gagner, who has the look of a three-mile chaser but has a speedy engine was also well touted by his handler as one to follow.

With a yard full of top-class horses and a human presence to match, there is no doubt the modest handler should retain his position at the top of the tree.

Next week I’ll be reporting on Tony Manuel’s bulging string at Blue Stables and popping across the road to check out Gill Duffield’s talented team of Purebred Arabians.