America’s iconic Triple Crown is squarely in the sights of Hall of Fame Trainer Todd Pletcher for crack colt Master Plan after his eye catching third in the USD1 million G2 UAE Derby at the Dubai World Cup meeting. Master Plan became the first stakes place getter for the China horse club at the high profile Dubai World Cup meeting with his performance reinforcing the growing international footprint of the club’s racing operation which has included wins in Australia, the United States, Singapore, Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, South Africa and Canada to date outside of the club’s base in China.
“It was a gritty run from Master Plan who is a horse we believe can deliver on his clear potential not only for our members but also for our international partners,” said Michael Wallace, Head of Bloodstock and Racing for the China Horse Club.
“Jockey Johnny Velazquez had a challenging run but Master Plan really stretched out in the straight and hit the line hard. He was the eye-catching run of the race.
“[Master Plan] has come through the race well and will travel back to Chicago on Wednesday. Master Plan will be given a few easy days at WinStar Farm in Kentucky and then he will join Todd’s team training out of Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky).
“Master Plan picked up some important points for the Kentucky Derby in Dubai but we will sit down and talk as to what is the best plan forward for this colt once he is back in Todd’s care and working at Churchill Downs. There are three legs of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby – Preakness Stakes – Belmont Stakes) and success in any of those legs would be a great result. What the weekend demonstrated is that Master Plan is clearly a colt with an exciting future.”
Master Plan is owned by a unique syndicate including Sheikh Joaan’s Al Shaqab Racing, WinStar Farm, SF Bloodstock and the China Horse Club. He is the latest promising performer to surface from the club’s US based racing operation that already includes G1 winners Yellow Agate and Abel Tasman, the undefeated stakes winner One Liner, stakes winners Good Samaritan and Theory as well as a series of promising lightly raced performers.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com