'The pressure is on and you have to deliver' - Egan eyeing Sheema Classic win

Ten days of hotel quarantine await David Egan after riding on Dubai World Cup night on Saturday, but the sacrifice will be more than worth it should his Saudi Cup hero Mishriff strike in the $5m Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.

Egan, champion apprentice in 2017, seeks a first top-level success in three Group 1s among a book of five rides at the biggest meeting of the year in Dubai, with Mishriff vying for favouritism at a general 5-2 with Japanese star Chrono Genesis in the 1m4f race.

It will be a first crack at the trip for Mishriff, who won over 1m2½f in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly in July, but Egan is confident he will stay the distance at Meydan.

Dubai World Cup night card

The jockey, who will be seeking his first winner at the track, said: “A couple of months ago I couldn’t have dreamed of having five rides on World Cup night. I knew Mishriff was a possibility, but to pick up all the other rides is great and it's nice that people are putting their faith in me for the big day.

“The step up in trip is an unknown for Mishriff and it’s a bit of a fact-finding mission, but we’re confident he'll stay. He stays ten furlongs in Europe very well, which gives the inclination he should stay a mile and a half on a flat track like Meydan.

“It'd be unbelievable to ride a winner on World Cup night and what I’ve been working towards since I’ve got into racing. It’s nice to win races day in, day out, throughout the season, but these are important ones where the pressure is on and you have to deliver. Hopefully I can do that.”

Mishriff: landed the Saudi Cup in Riyadh last monthCredit: Francois Nel

The Prince Faisal-owned and John Gosden-trained Mishriff, who on Wednesday was drawn in the outside stall ten, has won four of his last five starts and recorded a peak Racing Post Rating of 123 in the Saudi Cup. He also has the character to match his ability.

Egan, speaking from his hotel room in Dubai on Tuesday having arrived the day before, said: “I saw him out on the track today and he looks a picture. Mr Gosden has been very happy with him. He really enjoys his training on an American-style track and he gets in a good frame of mind, which is what you want leading up to a big race like this.

“He can be a fresh individual at times – going out on to the track in Riyadh he jumped around and nearly buried me before going to the start – so you have to have your wits about you, but he’s a big, physical horse who knows his job.”

Egan sees Chrono Genesis – “a huge danger with proven top-class form” – and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Mogul as the chief threats, and he will have plenty of time to reflect on the race during his post-Dubai quarantine.

Mogul: among the dangers to Mishriff in the Sheema ClassicCredit: Patrick McCann

Rather than flying elsewhere prior to a home quarantine, the 21-year-old is prepared to spend ten days in a hotel to shorten his time away from the saddle in Britain.

Egan said: “It’s not ideal but I’m sure it'll be worth it for Saturday night. Everyone has to go through the quarantine and I’ve decided to bite the bullet and do ten days in a hotel to get back riding in Britain as soon as possible.

"I could have evaded the hotel quarantine by going to another destination for ten to 14 days before doing quarantine at home, but with the Flat season starting I was keen to have that edge on people who don’t want to go through that. I’m willing to do it to get the winners."

Egan on his other rides . . .

Race: Godolphin Mile
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Best price 33-1 Sky Bet

He’s got proven form on the track and travels well. Jane knows him inside and out and is very happy with him. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t in with a shout turning into the straight. He’s a big price but I’m quietly hopeful of at least picking up some prize-money.

Red Verdon
Dubai Gold Cup
Ed Dunlop
10-1 with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook

He’s a well-travelled horse who ran a fantastic race in Riyadh. I rode in the race and it was slowly run which made track position really important, which maybe he didn’t have on the day. He finished strongly and if he can bring that form he’ll go close.

Red Verdon: one of five rides for David Egan on Dubai World Cup nightCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Speak In Colours
Al Quoz Sprint
Joseph O’Brien
16-1 general

He has proven form over a bit further and has travelled to Riyadh and Longchamp previously. He’s a Group 2 winner and taking on some top-class horses, but deserves to take his chance.

Court House
Dubai Turf
Simon and Ed Crisford
33-1 general

He’s run well at Meydan the last twice, with course form being important, and should run a good race. There’s some good horses in there but he’s a fairly consistent type.

Read more

Outside draw dents the chances of Mishriff in Saturday's Dubai Sheema Classic

Mishriff takes Riyadh riches in Saudi Cup for Gosden and Egan

Daahyeh gives David Egan a first Royal Ascot success in the Albany

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here