Monarch aiming to step up in Dubai Gold Cup Imperial Monarch is perhaps Aidan O'Brien's most interesting runner of his five-strong Meydan team as he bids to prove his stamina in Saturday's Dubai Gold Cup. Winner of the Grand Prix de Paris last summer in just five starts to date, the mount of Ryan Moore now steps up to two miles. Success in this Group Three event would surely prompt a campaign towards the Ascot Gold Cup. "His best form last year was over 2400m (12 furlongs) and he's trying a new trip," said O'Brien. "We can't be sure he'll get the distance so we'll have to see how he goes. It is a bit of an experiment and, if he does stay, it will open up lots more options for him." Moore seems confident, and told his Betfair column: "Imperial Monarch may have a bit to prove against the likes of a peak-form Saddler's Rock or Cavalryman, but I think this lightly-raced colt has the potential to go close in this and probably has a favourite's chance. "I'll be honest and say that he was slightly disappointing when I rode him in the International at Woodbine in October - we expected a bit more there - but I wouldn't be in a rush to judge him on that run. "He had previously shown tons of talent, meeting all the trouble going in a carnage of a French Derby before winning another messy race in the Grand Prix De Paris. "I don't think the step up to two miles will be a problem, and he seems to have a lot more scope for improvement than a few in here. If he handles the quick surface, then he has a lot going for him. "Of the others, there could be more to come from Tenenbaum, but Imperial Monarch is probably my best chance of the night." There are no stamina doubts for the Goodwood and Doncaster Cup winner Saddler's Rock, who clearly needed his Meydan prep run a month ago. "We were pleased enough with his run and he is a lot fitter now," said trainer John Oxx. "He should run well and has form on all kinds of ground so underfoot conditions should be fine."
