Dubai Honour goes for Baden-Baden gold

Dubai Honour could set up an exciting tilt at the Japan Cup when he makes his first European start of the year at Baden-Baden on Sunday.

William Haggas’ globetrotting star finished second to Fantastic Moon when making the trip to Germany 12 months ago and will try to go one better in the Grosser Preis von Baden, as he faces off against the likes of fellow British raider Rebel’s Romance.

“He’s absolutely fine and this was always going to be his comeback race,” said Haggas.

“It looks a strong race with Rebel’s Romance and Goliath but it’s a Group One, so it should be a strong race

“He’s not getting any younger but he’s still all there. He’s retained all his enthusiasm and I think he’s in good form and bound to run a good race on Sunday, even though he has those two rated higher than him to contend with.”

Dubai Honour has famously thrived in Australia and took his Group One haul to four when claiming the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill in April, before also running with credit when second to Australian ace Via Sistina later that month.

The seven-year-old, who was last seen at Sha Tin in May, has Japan as his likely destination this autumn, with the Somerville Lodge handler eyeing a tilt at the Japan Cup.

“He won’t be going to Australia this autumn for their spring and we’re going to consider the Japan Cup this year because he won a ‘win-and-you’re-in’ race in Australia,” continued Haggas.

“He could go and do his stuff in Hong Kong, but we might try something different.”