Smooth preparation for Big Orange ahead of Dubai trip
Michael Bell's Ascot Gold Cup winner Big Orange is reported to have had a good preparation ahead of another tilt at the Dubai Gold Cup later this month.
BIG ORANGE is reported to be in prime condition ahead of another tilt at the Dubai Gold Cup in Meydan later this month.
Newmarket handler Michael Bell issued the upbeat bulletin about his seven-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade, who secured Bell's finest hour in training last year when emerging victorious in a classic renewal of the Ascot Gold Cup.
Big Orange has had a good preparation ahead of his Dubai test as he bids to improve upon his fourth place behind Vazirabad in the Group 2 last March.
Frankie Dettori has regularly partnered Big Orange - although not for his Ascot Gold Cup win - and he partnered the popular stayer once again in a piece of work at Newmarket on Saturday as part of his build-up for Meydan.
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"He's taking off Friday morning for Dubai healthy and well," said Bell.
"Frankie rode him the other day and was happy but the horse knows almost as much about racing as Frankie does.
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"The horse is in good order."
Big Orange is 6-1 with Sun Bets to defend his Ascot Gold Cup crown later this summer at Royal Ascot.