Vatly improved Janszoon to start in 3rd race in 4 weeks at Meydan
(Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins)
The grey son of top stallion Dubawi has flashed an impressive turn-of-foot in his two local victories from three starts, including a Dubai World Cup Carnival tally by an eye-opening five lengths on January 18 under Silvestre De Sousa for trainer Ali Rashid Al Rayhi.
Owned by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the maternal grandson of Unbridled’s Song –hence his color– will step up 400m in trip and make his third start in four weeks on Thursday in the nightcap, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, a US$125,000 2400m handicap for those rated 95-105. Janszoon, rated 100, gets the return services of De Sousa.
“The way he ran last race, the stretch out is very good for him,” said Gilani Siddiqui, assistant trainer. “He was flat in the beginning of the race for 2000m, so I think the longer race will help him improve. Also, the way Silvestre rode him; not asking him earlier and relaxing him, helps (with the distance). He’s a very calm horse and he’s getting better and better. He’s always been very sound for us and has no issues.”
Previously trained by Charlie Hills for Godolphin in 2017, the gelding made a quintet of starts, with his sole victory coming at about 2300m at Lingfield. His best effort during that tenure was arguably a ninth of 18 in Royal Ascot’s Listed King George V Stakes at Thursday’s distance. Overall, he has three wins from eight starts