PETRUSHKA FLIES OUT NEXT WEEK

Petrushka is set to escape the winter weather next week and take up holiday residence in Dubai.

The winner of three Group One events last season will be prepared for a bid at either the Dubai World Cup or the Sheema Classic at Nad El Sheba on March 24th.

'It`s tentatively planned for her to head out to Dubai next Thursday,' said Harry Herbert of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

'She has done well from three to four and looks a picture. She will be out there for a month or so and that has got to be good for her as she thrives in warm weather.'

Kieren Fallon took a break from riding in Dubai to partner Sir Michael Stoute`s charge on the Newmarket gallops yesterday.

'Kieren was pleased with her but we still haven`t decided which race to go for in Dubai,' Herbert continued. 'We want to see how she handles the dirt before deciding whether to aim at the Dubai World Cup or the Sheema Classic.'

All the top one-and-a-quarter and one-and-a-half mile races will come under consideration for Petrushka on her return to Newmarket.

A possible programme for the filly includes the Coronation Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe.

Whatever happens Petrushka will be changing ownership before the end of the year.

'She has to be sold to comply with the syndicate regulations. But she can be sold privately or at public auction,' said Herbert. 'It might be that she will go the sales at Keeneland in November.'

Petrushka will be joined in Dubai by Highclere`s Prizeman.

The colt, trained by Richard Hannon, is likely to fly out from Britain a week later than the filly.

'We`d like to run Prizeman in the UAE Derby if he gets an invitation,' said Herbert. 'If not we will aim him at the new #500,000 race.

'Prizeman is a strong active horse and it will be good to get a race into him.

'It would be hard to keep a horse such as him going on the gallops until a Derby trial in April and the Dubai trip offers a great opportunity to run for enormous prize money.

'It`s looking a long way ahead but if Prizeman was able to run well in the UAE Derby then we could think about the Kentucky Derby.

'But it`s certainly an exciting time for the syndicate and 50 or 60 of us are heading east for the Dubai World Cup meeting.

'It`s just great to have horses there that will be running on merit.'