Keeneland Photo
American Dubai, who finished third in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) earlier this year, is training sharply at Keeneland as he prepares for a start in the $1,000,000 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday.
Trained by Rodney Richards and owned by Richard Keith, American Dubai galloped on Thursday morning and worked two furlongs in the homestretch. According to a report on the Keeneland website, American Dubai went the distance in a solid :23 and change with exercise rider Jerry O’Dwyer in the saddle.
“I was at a bad angle in the stretch, but somebody who had a watch on him got his last eighth in :11,” Rodney Richards was quoted as saying.
American Dubai has run four times, compiling a record of one win and two thirds. In his most recent race, he finished thirteenth with a wide trip in the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park. Another wide trip could be a possibility in the Blue Grass, as American Dubai has drawn post ten, but Richards is hoping that American Dubai will be able to secure better position on Saturday.
“Going a mile and an eighth, there is plenty of time (to get position),” Richards said. “A lot depends on how he breaks, and he didn’t break well in his last race.”
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