Another instalment of runners is due to escape freezing conditions in the UK and Ireland and head to Dubai's more welcoming training climate in readiness for the Dubai International Racing Carnival from January 28. Jeremy Noseda, who last saddled a Carnival runner in 2007, sends five, the foremost being the Group Three-winning sprinter called Strike the Deal who is a possible for the new Al Quoz Sprint on Meydan's turf track.
Strike the Deal has some ground to make up after disappointing in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, although his trainer said he pulled up lame after that outing, so the run should not count against him in Dubai. Forgotten Voice, the newly-gelded winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot for jockey, Johnny Murtagh, also heads to the desert. "Forgotten Voice has been gelded and has taken a little bit longer to get over the operation than anticipated," said Noseda. "The weather has also held his preparations up a little bit over the last three weeks."
The five-year-old, who was not raced for a season after winning his maiden, went on a three-run winning streak at the beginning of this season and was third in the Group Three Nayef Joel Stakes at Newmarket in October. "His programme is slightly up in the air and we will see how he settles and works in Dubai before deciding when he runs," added the handler. Three four-year-olds, including last-outing winner, Leahurst, Stoic, unbeaten in his three handicaps, and Awinnersgame also make the trip.
Summit Surge, who claimed a win for handler, Ger Lyons, in Dubai last season on the trainer's first foray into UAE racing, is coming back. He has not raced since he won the Group Three Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown in May last year, but had three outings at Nad al Sheba in 2009. Four-year-old Palazzone, Ohiyesa and Berg Bahn, a filly likely to be campaigned for a shot at the UAE 1,000 Guineas, will join him.
Lyons's promising Dubai contender, Dohasa has been sold to Anthony Stroud and will be in town but running for new connections. Luca Cumani has said his charge, Man of Iron will scrap plans to come to Dubai, concentrating instead on a summer turf campaign. @Email:stregoning@thenational.ae