Viddora confirmed for Dubai

[Chief Stipe]

Group One-winning sprinter Viddora will fly the flag for Australia in the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night in Dubai.

Trainer Lloyd Kennewell said the mare was set to travel provided she continues to please, but he would have no qualms about abandoning the trip if the mare was not right.

The winner of the Gr. 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in September, Viddora resumed with a midfield finish in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield last Saturday.

“I’ve been pretty keen for a while but it’s just been waiting for the right time,” Kennewell said. “I wanted to make sure she came through her first-up run and make sure she’s in good order because I’m putting the horse first and foremost.

“Once all that came through it was a matter of telling the owners what I thought and they were all pretty keen and it was only in the last 24 hours that we made the decision.

“She had her last inoculation yesterday (Thursday) and she seemed all right this morning, so we’ll keep rolling, but if she shows any signs she’s not right, she won’t be going.”

With the Gr. 1 Al Quoz Sprint to be run on March 30 at Meydan, Kennewell said Viddora was tentatively scheduled to travel on March 18. He does not expect the travel to be a concern, saying the mare has flown to interstate carnivals several times.

Kennewell said the Victoria Racing Club had allowed Viddora the opportunity to gallop at Flemington to familiarise herself with a straight track. Her only start at Flemington was in October 2016 when she finished sixth in a bunched finish.

“She got a bit lost,” Kennewell said. “I think Dubai will suit her. It’s a bit more spacious and a bit less competitive riding.”

Regular jockey Joe Bowditch will take the ride.

Australian sprinters have won the Al Quoz twice with Buffering successful in 2016 and Ortensia in 2012.

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