Dubai Turf preview: Godolphin’s Tryster ready to showcase his ‘real deal’ electric turn of foot

Godolphin horse has two wins at the Dubai World Cup Carnival with William Buick in the saddle, but for the first time he comes up against opposition that has been cherry picked from around the world, writes Geoffrey Riddle.

William Buick riding Tryster, centre, to a win at The Coral Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes at Lingfield racecourse in Lingfield, England. Alan Crowhurst/GetShow more

DUBAI // Charlie Appleby has yet to experience the unique taste of victory on Dubai World Cup night but Tryster presents the Godolphin trainer with his best chance yet in the $US6 million (Dh22m) Dubai Turf at Meydan on Saturday.

Tryster has showcased his electric turn of foot with two wins at the Dubai World Cup Carnival with William Buick in the saddle, but for the first time he comes up against opposition that has been cherry picked from around the world.

The domestic challenge is headed by Saeed bin Suroor’s Very Special, who plays a dual role in the 1,800-metre contest. The Balanchine winner will set the pace under James Doyle but will also give Tryster the tow that he craves from his customary position at the rear of the field.

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Very Special has improved for both of her wins at Meydan this season, and will be pestered for the lead by Ali Rashid Al Raihe’s Ghaamer. Queuing up behind them will be a raft of top-class performers such as Japan’s Real Steel, Mike De Kock’s Forries Waltz, David Simock’s The Corsican, last year’s fourth and Balanchine runner-up Euro Charline and the dangerous British raider Intilaaq.

Tryster is going to have to pass them all, but Buick is confident the five-year-old can pick up a fourth straight win.

“I have never ridden a horse that has a turn of foot like him,” Buick said. “He hasn’t taken on world-class horses yet, but if he does the same on Saturday then we’ve got the real deal.”

Appleby has previously put the tack on horses eight times on the most valuable night in racing with Ahtoug’s agonising defeat in record time to Amber Sky in 2014 the closest he has come.

“I don’t think he could have a better platform to go in to the race with those two wins,” the trainer said.

“It is the best chance I have ever had of having a winner on World Cup night. I couldn’t be any happier with his preparation, I have no negatives, whatsoever. It is all positives. He’s ten out of ten.”

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