Talismanic, winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar, is set to be a major contender for Godolphin in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday, 31 March.

Trainer Andre Fabre took a decision soon after the popular colt’s return from California to look at suitable races on dirt in the long-term for the son of Medaglia d’Oro.

Fabre said he had detected certain qualities in the colt that suggested it was worth trying him (in races) on dirt.

He said Talismanic had displayed “a very easy action in regular training on the dirt track at Del Mar, albeit in steady work” and that his style of racing meant he was “easy to place in his races and can lie up with the pace.”

Coupled with the fact that Talismanic is by a top-class stallion, who has produced outstanding horses on dirt, has led to Fabre taking a carefully calculated step into the unknown with a colt he likes enormously.

The trainer has yet to nominate a World Cup prep race for Talismanic. The options are a race on the all-weather at Chantilly on Tuesday, 6 March or one at Meydan on Saturday, 10 March.

Fabre added that Talismanic had wintered well and appeared to have fully recovered from his trips to America and Hong Kong.

The colt’s excellent temperament and ability to readily adapt to different situations and surroundings make him the perfect type to continue campaigning on the global stage, in the trainer’s opinion.

Talismanic was one of the nominees for the Male Turf category, won by World Approval, at the 47th Eclipse Awards ceremony in Florida last week.

Fabre commented: “To see him up for that big award made us feel proud. He is a lovely horse, who has long been a stable favourite. It’s lovely to see how he has endeared himself to fans all over the world.

“He confirmed in winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf that he has the ability to compete at International level, which was only reinforced in Hong Kong (when second in the Vase). Travelling does not faze him,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fabre has also reported that Arc runner-up Cloth Of Stars is to target the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup night. No prep race has been announced as yet for the Sea The Stars colt.

fonte : Godolphin