Swinbank Wary Of Decree

Alan Swinbank fears his former charge Formal Decree could prove to be the main stumbling block for Collier Hill in the 5million Dubai Sheema Classic on March 31.

Runner-up behind the Japanese-trained Heart's Cry last year, the admirable Collier Hill has taken his win and place prize money to well over #2million with victories all over the world.

The nine-year-old has won the Stockholm Cup, the Woodbine International and the Hong Kong Vase on his last three starts, but Swinbank sees his former inmate, who won the Cambridgeshire on his last start in England before a switch to local trainer Ismail Mohammed, as one of the main dangers in his bid to go one better.

'Collier Hill goes out to Dubai on February 10, he will go out with Deserted Dane, a sprinter of ours,' said Swinbank.

'He has worked well and will probably run in a Group Three on Super Thursday before he goes for the Sheema Classic.

'It looks like Formal Decree could be in the Sheema Classic this year, he is some tool.

'I think the world of the horse and I think he will go right to the top, the only question is whether he will go on the firm ground as he is a heavy-topped horse. That was what we were always frightened of with him.

'He is already up to Group standard, no doubt about that.

'He did a job for us though, winning the Cambridgeshire, and the (former) owners have already sent me two more horses.'

(C) PA Sport