Main Sequence puts in final major work for Dubai Sheema Classic

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Two-time Eclipse Award winner Main Sequence worked seven furlongs in 1:27 around the dogs on Monday at the Palm Meadows training center in his final major tune-up for the rich Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on March 28.

“He went with his regular workmate and went very well,” said trainer Graham Motion. “The dogs were up so they worked off the rail, once around the course. I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s been doing and feel really good about running him in Dubai. But this is certainly going to be his biggest test yet. He’ll have to face Flintshire again, and the Asian horses are going to be tough and add a whole new equation to the race.”

Main Sequence has won all five of his U.S. starts since joining Motion’s barn last season including the Breeders’ Cup Turf in which he upset Flintshire at Santa Anita. Main Sequence has had one start this year, rallying in spectacular fashion to defeat arch rival Twilight Eclipse by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida here on Feb. 21.

Main Sequence was scheduled to board his flight for Dubai on Tuesday accompanied by stablemate Quadrivium, whom Motion said he hopes to get invited to the Godolphin Mile.

“He won his first two races in this country on the dirt, and I probably messed up putting him on the grass last time at the Fair Grounds,” Motion said of Quadrivium. “I’m going to send him to give the other horse company, but hopefully he’ll get an invite to the Godolphin Mile.”

Motion is also excited about the newest star in his barn, the 3-year-old Donworth, who overcame a frightening trip to win his debut in impressive fashion on Saturday.

“The race itself was a little frustrating to watch because of all the trouble he got into,” said Motion. “He’s had some nagging little issues, but I’ve been looking forward to running him. I liked running him seven-eighths the first time, but he looks like a horse who wants to go two turns.”

Motion said Donworth would likely make his next start at Keeneland.

“I’ll nominate him to the Lexington but also look at a ‘one-other-than’ allowance race they’ve got there around two turns. It’s possible we might make him eligible for the later Triple Crown races, just in case, but I’m not really pushing for it.”