Snow Fairy Opts for Sheema Classic Over World Cup
- By A.J. Ryder on March 5, 2011 19:13 GMT
World-beating Irish-bred filly Snow Fairy (Intikhab) will be pointed towards the Dubai Sheema Classic in lieu of a high-profile attempt at the Dubai World Cup. The dual Oaks-winning bay ended her 2010 campaign with a pair of massive scores in Asia.
The Investec Oaks and Darley Irish Oaks winner went on to beat older fillies and mares in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto. She then made a major statement by taking older colts and geldings in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup.
Racing observers will all concede that type of three year-old campaign is not bad for a filly picked up at a sale for around €3,000.
The Dubai Sheema Classic runs two furlongs longer than the Dubai World Cup and the option would see Snow Fairy stay on the grass. Speaking to the racing post, conditioner Ed Dunlop stated "we know taht she likes fast turf and stays for a mile and a half," he also added, "we did not know if she would act on Tapeta. It is her first run of the year and if it was the end of the year it might be different."
He also confirmed that Ryan Moore would remain as her preferred pilot.
Snow Fairy had been as low as 6.0 for the Dubai World Cup in the forecast markets and is now out to 23.0.
