Scott banking on return to Dubai to suit West Acre

George Scott believes a return to Dubai could be the perfect stage for West Acre to showcase his sprinting talent again this winter.

The three-year-old son of Mehmas was twice a winner in the Middle East earlier this year, breaking the Meydan track record when landing the Group Two Blue Point Sprint last January.

He failed to replicate those exploits back on home soil but a pair of encouraging runs on the all-weather of late have the Eve Lodge handler optimistic the good times could be about to return for the exciting speedball, who lines up in Friday’s Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash.

Scott said: “The horse is giving the impression he knows he’s back there and he’s very comfortable on that track.

“He has been a bit out of sorts since last winter out in Dubai but he ran very well at Dundalk on his penultimate start and if the gaps had opened up for him last time, I think he would have won at Southwell under a big weight so he’s not totally out of form and it would be great to see him back to his best.

“We’re on weather watch and they are due a lot of rain out there which can have a significant impact on the ground. So we’ll be just watching that as he wants fast ground but if it’s good ground he will run.

“He’s still a baby as a sprinter, he’s a three-year-old turning four. He’s already the track record holder and we’re pretty relaxed that I will get him back to his best for sure.”

West Acre is due to be partnered by Billy Loughnane who will be sporting the royal blue of Godolphin throughout the evening as he continues his burgeoning association with Charlie Appleby.

All eyes will be on the Moulton Paddocks handler in the Group Two Al Rashidiya where Loughnane will be aboard First Conquest, but stronger claims are held by stablemates Opera Ballo and experienced traveller Nations Pride.

Dual Listed winner Opera Ballo is the pick of Godolphin number one William Buick and Appleby is relishing getting the talented son of Ghaiyyath back on a turning track.

He told www.godolphin.com: “We have taken Opera Ballo to the Rowley Mile twice and been beaten on both occasions, so I think we can say it’s not his course.

“We were keen to get him back on a turning track and the style of racing at Meydan will hopefully suit. We feel he is a nice colt and are hoping to get him back to winning ways here.”