Gitano Hernando looking fit for World Cup trip

Gitano Hernando is looking good for his March 27 date in the Dubai World Cup, trainer Marco Botti reported on his website on Friday. The Newmarket-based Botti was upbeat about the preparations of his recent Winter Derby Trial winner.

"He has come out of that race in good order and is training well," Botti said. "I thought the race at Lingfield was the perfect prep race for him, as they went a good pace and he was able to quicken up well without having a hard race. He should come on for his first run [of the season[ and be spot-on for Dubai."

Botti also reported that Gitano Hernando, who is 4-for-4 lifetime on synthetic surfaces, "flies out on March 20 and Kieren Fallon will hopefully partner him in some work the Friday before."

Gitano Hernando, a 4-year-old son of Hernando owned by Team Valor and Gary Barber, scored his biggest victory to date in the Goodwood Stakes on the Santa Anita Pro-Ride surface on Oct. 10. He is currently fourth choice with William Hill for the World Cup at 8-1 behind Gio Ponti at 11-2, Vision d'Etat 6-1 and Twice Over 7-1, but is listed at 7-1 with Ladbrokes, who offer the other three as 6-1 co-favorites.