Saeed bin Suroor insists it is “business as usual” out in Dubai just over a week away from World Cup night.

Overseas representation is down this year due to tensions in the Middle East, although racing took place on Super Saturday on February 28th, when participants reported seeing rockets in the distance and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed made an unexpected appearance.

Further meetings have taken place at Meydan on March 6th and 13th without incident and Godolphin trainer Bin Suroor said everyone is calm about the situation.

“We’re looking forward to next Saturday,” Bin Suroor told the Press Association.

“We’ll be running Dubai Future in the Gold Cup, I took him for some work to Meydan the other day with Passion And Glory and he worked well so we’re looking for a good run.

“We’re just carrying on as normal. It is not like you see in the media, it’s much calmer, as you would say it’s business as usual.

“Everything is open, the malls, the restaurants, the streets are busy. Life is normal here in the UAE.

“Hopefully it is over soon. Shortly after World Cup night I will be back in Newmarket.”

Major milestone

Bin Suroor is edging towards 200 Group/Grade 1 victories and the most recent of those was Tornado Alert in Germany in July.

He was due to run in the Bahrain International, but a late setback ruled him out and he is now looking at a midsummer return.

“He’s back in light exercise. He’s in good form and he’s doing well,” said Bin Suroor.

“It’s looking likely he might be ready for a race in June or July, that’s when we might start looking for a run. So far he’s doing well.

“He won his Group 1 over a mile and a quarter and I think that will be the best trip for him.

“He’ll go on any ground but he showed in Germany that he can handle it soft. He was fourth in the Guineas so he’s not slow but 10 furlongs is his trip.”