World Approval to skip Dubai trip

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Less than 48 hours after World Approval won his 6-year-old debut in what was supposed to be a prep for the $6 million Dubai Turf, trainer Mark Casse said Monday he will not be sending his 2017 turf champion overseas for the March 31 race after all.

Ridden by John Velazquez, World Approval won the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Stakes here Saturday by a half-length over Forge. He earned a 103 Beyer, marking his sixth straight race with a triple-digit figure, and went past the $3 million mark with his 12th win from 25 starts.

“The Dubai race is almost nine furlongs, which stretches us,” Casse said. “We’ve said all along a mile is his best play. You might be able to get away with it sometimes, but probably not when you’re up against the best horses in the world like he would be in Dubai. He’s a champion, and we’re going to take care of him.”

Casse said the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile on April 13 at Keeneland becomes the new target, with possibly the March 10 Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita in between.

The Tampa Bay was marred by a spill in which jockeys Antonio Gallardo and Manoel Cruz were fortunate to escape serious injury. Don Cespedes, agent for Cruz, said Cruz was released from an area hospital Saturday night. Neither of their mounts was seriously hurt. Gallardo, the leading rider at the meet, rode here Sunday, while Cruz took off his lone scheduled mount.