Hong Kong’s trio of Dubai raiders stepped out in fine heart as dawn broke over a cool, fresh Meydan Racecourse this morning, Tuesday, 26 March.

All three emerged shortly after 6.15am with the John Moore-trained Frederick Engels and Eagle Regiment from the Manfred Man stable enjoying a spin on the Tapeta track, while the Derek Cruz-trained Joy And Fun went for a canter around the sweeping turf circuit.

Moore is pleased with Frederick Engels’ Dubai excursion so far and received the welcome news en route from Hong Kong that his star sprinter has drawn the inside Gate 1 in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) on the big day, Saturday, 30 March.

“It’s marvelous,” said the beaming trainer, who was in jocular mood. “The owner rang and said what gate do you want and I said one, two, three or four, and he said well we’ve got one. I said that’s good because when you did the draw for the Derby you got 14 for Ashkiyr!

“Of course, one is the ideal gate and we’ll be looking to lie up much closer than he has been because we know the race tactics required for a race like this. If he keeps going along like he is and if he handles the track he’ll go close.”

On the subject of the artificial Tapeta surface, Moore was positive about Frederick Engels’ ability to produce his best.

“The rider reported that he found the surface to his liking, he just bounced off it as I thought he would, he’s a little, short-striding fellow. The Sha Tin all-weather track is very different to this, this has got a lot of grab to it but he’s a good striding horse.

“He dropped a bit of weight on the journey due to natural dehydration. He was 1090lbs when we left and he’s lost 20lbs but I expect him to put it back on because he has done well since he arrived in respect to eating up. We put a bit of condition on him before he left so he should be somewhere around 1080lbs come race day. He’ll probably do a bit of work Thursday morning when Weichong Marwing gets in.”

Frederick Engels trotted half a lap before cantering easily for a circuit and a half. Just ahead of him, G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m, turf) contender Eagle Regiment also enjoyed a light canter and moved nicely under his work rider. Joy And Fun will also line up in the Al Quoz Sprint, in which he was victorious in 2010 in its guise as a 1200m G3 race and third last term – he appeared well in his exercise.

Eagle Regiment has drawn Gate 1 for the straight 1000m contest, while Joy And Fun will break from Gate 11.