Kiwi pair set for Dubai stint
New Zealand-bred sprinters Music Magnate and D B Pin are both heading to Dubai in search for further Group 1 glory when they tackle their respective targets at Dubai’s World Cup meeting on March 31.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Music Magnate will run in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) first-up with Baker citing his strong fresh-up form as a major factor in that decision.
“Everything’s gone to plan so far,” Baker said.
“This horse is best when he’s fresh so we try to pick and choose his marks carefully.
“He can travel strongly and that might give him an edge over some of the Europeans who tend to settle well back in these sprint races.”
Music Magnate was purchased by Baker for $45,000 out of Westbury Stud’s 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale.
He has gone on to win nine races, including the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m).
Meanwhile, Hong Kong star D B Pin, who is prepared by leading Hong Kong trainer John Size, will line-up on the dirt track in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m).
He will head into the Golden Shaheen in fine form after comfortably winning his 1200m barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday by a length over Group 3 winner Dinozzo.
A $200,000 purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2014 Premier Yearling Sale, the son of Darci Brahma has won six of his 14 starts, including the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m).