Racing
Racing in the blood for Pearl Of Dubai
Widden Stakes contender Pearl Of Dubai has been a natural from day one.
The rapid progression Pearl Of Dubai made at her first campaign has given Peter Snowden reason to be optimistic ahead of the well-bred filly's return at Rosehill.
Not only did the youngster manage an encouraging second at her only start in the Kirkham Plate (1000m) in October, but she did it off the back of being broken in.
"She has always shown a bit in her work, and that was her very first preparation," Snowden said.
"She came from the breakers straight in and went all the way to a trial and all the way to the races, which was terrific."
Pearl Of Dubai has the bloodlines to match her natural athleticism being a Wootton Bassett half-sister to dual Group 1-winner Pride Of Dubai, the sire of top gallopers Dubai Honour, Pride Of Jenni and Bella Nipotina.
Snowden is hoping his charge can enhance her residual value even further by adding black type to her pedigree page, starting in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
The filly has trialled twice in preparation, the latest when jagged back from a wide gate and closing nicely for third over 799m at Warwick Farm, although Snowden expects her to settle handier from barrier three.
"She's got good gate speed, so I'd say from that gate on Saturday she will be in the first four comfortably," he said.
"She is a beautiful type and has such a good pedigree, you've got to give them the opportunity and that's what we're doing with her.
"She works well, she's trialled well. Her first run was great so we will see what she can do on Saturday against some pretty good opposition. We'll get a bit more idea about how she is going after Saturday."
Pearl Of Dubai's performance in the Widden Stakes will dictate her main carnival goal, with the Golden Slipper (1200m) and Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) among the options.
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