Desert Encounter returns

Once again the evergreen Trillium Place contender is on his travels and starts his sixth season in training with a shot at the Dubai City of Gold, staged over 12 furlongs on the turf.

The son of Halling, owned by Abdulla Al Mansoori, is drawn eighth of ten runners and will be ridden by Jim Crowley.

Trainer David Simcock said: “He was supposed to fly out three weeks ago and run over 10 furlongs as a prep for Saturday’s race. As it is he went to Chelmsford for a gallop.

“He seems in good order. At the ratings he has a proper chance on Saturday. The likelihood is that he will just need it.

“The race leads him to World Cup night and we will make a decision which direction we’re going down.

“If we think the Sheema Classic is unrealistic – ie, too good a race – we could head to the Dubai Gold Cup.

“If we felt that we’ve got a chance of picking up prize money, we’ll head to the Sheema Classic.”