national grammar will begin his 6-year-old with another trip to the Middle East, where he will begin his 2022 schedule with a start in the Saudi Cup (G1) on February 25 and then was the Dubai World Championship on March 25 (G1) ) shortly thereafter.
The tone artist horse, who worked seven feathers in 1:25 3/4 on Santa Anita . Park main track on February 5 for trainer Bob Baffert, will ship from California around February 14 according to Chase Chamberlin of Thoroughbred Commonwealth, whose horse is in partnership with WinStar Farm and Zedan Racing Stables.
“We’re very happy with the way he’s been training. I think he’s better than ever,” Chamberlin said. “He really came into the age of six in a fantastic way.” “I believe he will leave on the 14th, may be there or take a few days.”
Chamberlin says the horse moved exceptionally well last year before finishing as runners-up at the 2022 Saudi Arabia Cup after a long shot line iconand that they are expecting another chance at success.
“He was amazing. He was professional,” Chamberlin said. “Last year, I think it was a 33-hour trip from Santa Anita to Riyadh and he gained a few pounds during the trip. He got out of the car, dragged them into his barn, cleared all the food. eat your own.
“He’s completely unremarkable that way, which is part of the reason why this tour of the Middle East is so appealing to him not only in terms of talent but also, how he can handle the trip. go. I think there are a lot of beautiful horses that can go but will struggle to make the journey. It’s hard for them.”
Assuming all goes well in the Saudi Cup, the plan is to transport the horse to Meydan Racecourse to begin preparations for the Dubai World Cup, which it won on an overseas trip last year. under the boisterous horseback riding of Frankie Dettori.
Country Grammer wins Dubai World Cup 2022
Dettori, who reunited with Country Grammer in the final start as they strutted home to win the San Antonio Stakes (G2) 2022 in Santa Anita, will go on to lead both races in the Middle East. .
“Frankie is the perfect fit for him… He’s patient, he knows when to wait, when to ask. Country Grammer is a miller but he’s not a horse that’s going to rush out. out and lightning speed,” Chamberlin said. “He’s certainly not slow, he can move at high speeds but a rider who’s patient with him and waits for the move, especially down the long haul is the best fit for him. Frankie did an excellent job with him; he understood the horse. And of course, Frankie’s record speaks for itself.”
As for the rest of the 2023 horse season, Chamberlin said the team is grateful for the present opportunity and wants to soak up the excitement of the next two races ahead. He added that they would let the horse tell them what it wanted to do before turning anything to stone.
And with a 5-5-1 record from 14 starts, four wins in a classified holding company, and earnings of $11,227,320, it’s hard to wish for more.
“We’re very proud of him,” Chamberlin said. “He’s the epitome of consistency; he’s never been second-best since the Californian (Stocks, 2nd grade) when Bob took over from him.” . “Since then, it has been quite a remarkable ride… He has to be the hardest working horse I know. He has a good heart; he always tries and I know the entire team. Our honor is to join him.
“He’s the coolest horse. I love Country Grammer. He has hundreds of shareholders through the Commonwealth. Most of them have never been in racing before. He spoils a lot of people, he’s transformed. a lot of dreams come true, and he’s really a lovable horse.”
