Wroe Undaunted By Derby Challenge

Dubai-based British trainer Christian Wroe has tipped Seal Point to surprise a few people in the UAE Derby at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday night.

The unheralded three-year-old's victory over eight furlongs in Dubai last month led to the colt receiving an invite to take part in the 2million race.

And former polo player Wroe believes his charge, who will once again be ridden by Paul Eddery, will be able to hold his own against more illustrious contenders after being drawn in stall nine.

'He's impressed in everything that he's done and there's no reason why he shouldn't be very competitive on Saturday. We can't wait to run him,' he said.

'He's probably the horse open to the most improvement. I couldn't tell you how good he is.'

Wroe has been impressed from what he has seen so far while putting Seal Point through his paces and is confident the horse will be in the best condition possible when he returns to Nad Al Sheba.

'His work's all done. He did a seven-furlong piece of work last Thursday and that put him straight for the race,' the 36-year-old added.

'He'll have a blowout on Thursday morning over three furlongs but he couldn't have worked any better last Thursday. He was spot on and picked up the last three furlongs in 34 seconds on the bridle and is now just going through the motions really.

'He's a very clean-winded horse and we've just been steady away with him. But he's looking in super shape.'

(C) PA Sport