Last year’s Juddmonte International winner Ombudsman is set to begin his five-year-old campaign this weekend at Meydan. The son Night Of Thunder is yet to be out of the first two, with career form figures of 111121212. The Gosdens have won the Dubai Turf three times of late with Lord North, and Ombudsman looks set to boost that record.
Speaking to the Racing Post, John Gosden said: “After York and Ascot we thought we’d freshen up, then come here. It is the 30th year and I think it’s important to come and it’s been very much the plan. I discussed with Sheikh Mohammed back in October at the yearling sales in Newmarket, so we made this the target.”
John Gosden has fond memories of this meeting, and will be keen to kick the season off strong. While most of his rivals have trained in the Middle East, Ombudsman has done his preparation at home. “It’s not easy, you’re training in the winter so we don’t have ideal weather for it,” continued Gosden. Given that we’ve got the rest of the season coming, I wanted to train him at home. He had a little away-day at Chelmsford. We’re happy with him, he’s trained nicely and, as I say, it’s been the plan since last October.”
Prince Of Wales’s Stakes the main summer target
When prompted for an answer regarding Ombudsman’s seasonal path, Gosden suggested a return to Royal Ascot is likely. “You come here and I would always tend to wait for Royal Ascot. That would be the normal plan. I don’t like to come back from here and run straight away, I’m not keen on that. Royal Ascot will be the plan, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.”
Ombudsman was an electric winner at Ascot last season, overcoming difficulties in running. Despite being beaten a neck next time out by Delacroix, he reversed that form in the International at York.
Thady Gosden spoke highly of progress made by Ombudsman during his break as he noted: “He’s matured well and developed nicely over the winter. The track and trip in the Dubai Turf should complement him well. He’s got a great turn of foot. Stepping back a furlong from a mile and quarter should play well to his style of racing and strengths.”
Ombudsman will face 10 rivals, though is 11lbs clear of the field on ratings. Facteur Cheval may prove the biggest threat after his second in the Neom Turf Cup last month.