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Dubai: Adi Selvaratnam, one of UAE's top trainers, wants to see a local horse win the Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News.
The $2 million dirt sprint over six furlongs has a strong field of 15 horses, dominated by runners from America.
As many as five of the runners are American, while challenging them are six runners from the UAE.
"It would be nice to see a UAE-based horse win this race," stated Selvaratnam.
"The American horses are always the favourites in this race," the UAE trainer added. "I would say Idiot Proof and Benny The Bull would go in as the favourites. But we have a horse such as Diabolical who can be very competitive," he said.
Selvaratnam has New Freedom competing against possibly the best field in this dirt sprint.
Given the tough line-up, the UAE trainer is realistic about his chances with New Freedom. "I have to be realistic. He is going to be up against the best horses in the world, and I will be happy if he finishes in the first six," Selvaratnam concluded.
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