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http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/26669/donna-meets-ishizaka-approval

Gentildonna meets Ishizaka Classic approval

Saturday 29 March 2014

By Geoffrey Riddle

Gentildonna struggled to reel in international campaigner St Nicholas Abbey in the Dubai Sheema Classic last season but 12 months on trainer Sei Ishizaka feels that the Japanese mare has learned significantly from that experience.

Gentildonna could not get past the ill-fated Ballydoyle challenger and lost by two and a quarter lengths, but has since gone down in Japanese folklore by securing a second consecutive Japan Cup.

She lines up in a field packed with quality, leading many to believe that the 12-furlong turf event is the strongest race on the $27.25 million nine-race card.

Gentildonna clearly is one of Japan’s best horses, but Ishizaka does not believe that is enough in the hurly-burly of international racing and has worked hard at polishing off his charge’s rough edges.

“When she won the Triple Tiara that was simply down to her ability,” he said.

“Relying on ability is not enough in international races, she needs to be stronger in the mind and we need to keep her mentally strong – it is the most important thing for her.

“She is better than ever and is in very good form – physically and mentally. I would say better than last year.”

The five-year-old raider has arrived in Dubai with very different form to her almost flawless record in the lead-up last year.

Unlike last season, Gentildonna warmed up for her UAE assignment with a lacklustre sixth in the Grade 2 Kyoto Kinen last month. Her eclipse was a shock – she was sent off the 3-5 favourite, and the run was a setback in the eyes of her trainer.

Ryan Moore has been bokked for the ride, however, having partnered her to Japan Cup glory last season.

Gentildonna was out once again on the Meydan turf on Wednesday morning and the trainer outlined that this will be her final season before going to stud.

“I am happy with her final piece of fast work,” he added. “She is in a very good mood. She is the type who improves for a run and her second race up is her best.

“Although the Sheema Classic is her big target we hope to get her ready for a third straight win in the autumn before retirement.”

Surprise Japan Cup runner-up Denim And Ruby is a good second-string for the country but in Magician, Gentildonna faces not only the winner of an Irish 2,000 Guineas, but the Breeders' Cup Turf. Joseph O'Brien is on Magician but also rates stablemate Festive Cheer.

"A mile and a half is as far as he's (Magician) gone and as far as he wants to go. His dam was a sprinter but this horse is quite uncomplicated.

"I don't think people should underestimate Festive Cheer. He was third in an Irish Derby and, for me, has a massive each-way chance," said the jockey.

Cirrus Des Aigles beat St Nicholas Abbey in the 2012 renewal and the popular French veteran is back for a second bite.

Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said: "It's encouraging that he appears to have the same enthusiasm and ability as before. Christophe Soumillon (jockey) thought he ran better in his trial at Chantilly than he did in the same races two years ago."

Group One-winning mare Ambivalent has her first start since finishing second in Turkey in September. Trainer Roger Varian said: "She looks in good shape. She's got to step up a few pounds on what she has done so far, but she may well still be on the upgrade."

Mount Athos, twice a Melbourne Cup runner for Luca Cumani, finished a close third on Super Saturday for new trainer Marco Botti, who said: "Hopefully he won't be too far away. As long as there is some early pace, he should get into a good position. The faster they go, the better it will be for him."

Mars, a classy performer for O'Brien, has not pulled up trees in two starts for Mike De Kock. The South African handler said: "He has come on a lot from his latest run when the blinkers perhaps did not suit. We thought he ran well, though and hopefully he will at least be competitive."