G3 Longines Red Sea Turf H. runner-up Sonnyboyliston (Ire) (Power {GB}) is a possibility for the G2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan on Mar. 26, but trainer Johnny Murtagh will first see how his charge comes out of his latest effort before making firm plans. A winner of the G1 Comer Group International Irish St. Leger at The Curragh on Sept. 12, Kildare Racing Club's 5-year-old gelding closed up the inside in the Red Sea Turf H. and was a clear second behind Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) on Saturday.
“He ran great,” said Murtagh. “I was very happy with the run. We knew he's very good but he ran his race and we were delighted. He stuck on well, stayed on well round there.
“We'll get him home and make a decision. We're in no rush after that run. Dubai is very much on his agenda but we'll see how he is in the next couple of weeks. It's a good starting place and we always thought he would improve, so let's hope he can keep going.”
Other international targets, besides Dubai, are also being considered for the gelding.
“He looked great and he enjoyed being over there,” added the former rider. “He took to it really well, he enjoyed the sun and everyone was delighted.
“He'd been to England a few times but he had never been on a plane, so it's always good when these horses can travel. There are big opportunities for them.”
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