Dubai: Dale Romans, the 'big' trainer from the US, is hoping that his UAE Derby hope Massive Drama will prove to be as special a horse as his Roses In May, the Dubai World Cup winner in 2005.
"It takes a special horse to win here in Dubai. We came here in 2005 with Roses In May and it worked and we are trying again," said Romans, who was at the Nad Al Sheba yesterday morning to have a first look at his runner here.
Romans made its maiden trip to Dubai in 2005 with Roses In may and the American raider unleashed an impressive performance to give the big-built Romans his biggest ever win with the first prize of US$ 3.6 million along with the Dubai World Cup. The three-year-old son of Kafwain will be saddled by Romans for the first time since he left two-time Dubai World Cup winning trainer Bob Baffert's yard and has already caught the eye with his mannerisms here.
More shine
Henrietta Steele, assistant to Romans, who has been with Massive Drama since his arrival here had said that the colt had adapted himself well to Dubai.
"I'm happy with the way he was moving. He had his ears pricked-he seemed to have the sun on his back and love in his heart. I actually think he's got more shine on his coat after the trip over from America."
Romans agreed and said, "It looks like he really likes the desert. He looks good and I think he will really do well against the older horses."
Saturday's Derby will surely be a big test for the Romans runner as he takes on the older Southern Hemisphere-breds.
"I just arrived yesterday and I am yet to study the other runners.
"But I think it must be the (Mike) De Kock horses that will have to be beaten," said Romans.
With two wins and three third-place finishes in his fledgling career with Baffert, who won the Dubai World Cup with Silver Charm and Captain Steve, Massive Drama will be making his first appearance for Romans.
Owned by Egyptian-born businessman Ahmad Zayat, Massive Drama is aiming to become the first American-based horse to win the US$2 million UAE Derby.
