Moss out to punch Dubai ticket
Ed Bethell is eyeing a first international venture as a trainer with stable star Moss Gill, who could head to Dubai should he be victorious in Saturday's Hever Sprint Stakes at Lingfield.
Bethell has taken over the training licence from his father James and now has the Nunthorpe Stakes third Moss Gill in his care, with a tilt at the Group 1 Al Quoz Spring pencilled in should he win the 5f Listed contest at the Surrey Track.
The five-year-old got within three lengths of speedball Battaash in the 5f Group 1 at York last August and followed that with two subsequent defeats in Listed company over 5f at both Doncaster and Nottingham last season before having a winter break.
He makes his seasonal return on Saturday under PJ McDonald ahead of some lofty targets later on in the Flat turf season and is 2.50 to make a winning start to the year by landing a second win at Listed level.
The five-year-old, who is a winner on the all-weather in the past, will face six rivals including the Hollie Doyle-ridden Rocket Action, who is a 3.50 chance. Recent Wolverhampton winner Lord Riddiford and admirable veteran performer Ornate are also amongst the runners.
Bethell said: "Moss Gill had a nice winter break and is just ready to start back with a view to some bigger targets later in the year. I am very fortunate to have a horse like him in my first season.
"He has an invitation for the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup Night. If he wins on Saturday, he probably warrants his place in Dubai whereas, if he doesn’t, at least we haven’t wasted a trip."
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