SIA Cup hopeful Limario arrives safely

Russian billionaire Valentin Bukhtoyarov's LIMARIO, his sole entrant in tomorrow week's $3 million International Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, arrived safely on Thursday night.

Trained by American Doug Watson, who has been based in the United Arab Emirates for more than 20 years, the four-year-old chestnut colt landed at Changi Airport at around 9.35pm before being transported to his stables at the Singapore Turf Club (STC).

He was accompanied by Watson's assistant trainer, Noel Joseph Connolly, and a groom.

Dr Kieran Finn, veterinary surgeon at the STC, reported that all was fine with the German-bred galloper.

"Nothing odd to report," he said.

"He walked out of his mobile stable and was pretty relaxed. He wasn't dehydrated and looks to have travelled quite well.

"The guys who came with him were happy with him. They said he ate and drank well and there was no problem at all.

"We'll take some urine samples later and, if his connections want, we can run other tests but everything seem fine."

By Areion out of Limaga, Limario has two wins from his six starts in Germany, both at Group level.

LAST RACE

He last featured in the Group 2 Goldolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup Night on March 29, finishing sixth behind winner Variety Club.

He will be ridden by jockey Pat Dobbs in tomorrow week's 2,000m feature race.

Watson, 49, has been crowned UAE champion trainer three times (2005-06, 2007-08 and 2008-09) and is making his second appearance in Singapore's biggest raceday. Last year he saddled Meandre (SIA Cup) and Dux Scholar (KrisFlyer), both finishing ninth in their respective events.