Jerome Reynier believes it will be a “different story” when Lazzat takes on Reef Runner in this weekend’s Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments at Meydan.

Carrying the colours of powerhouse owners Wathnan Racing, Lazzat will be looking to bounce back to winning ways having gone down fighting to the reopposing Reef Runner in the 1400m 1351 Turf Sprint at Riyadh on Saudi Cup night.

A winner of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last season, the five-year-old son of Territories endured a torrid trip when forced wide throughout in Saudi, giving Reynier reason to believe his charge can reverse the form back on a straight track.

“Lazzat is doing well and we’re happy with him. He’s kept his normal routine; he’s behaving well and moving well,” he said.

“It’s a rematch with the American horse (Reef Runner) who beat us in Riyadh but it’s a different scenario this time, we know we handle the six furlong straight at Meydan and we don’t know about him.

“It was the worst scenario ever being three wide in Saudi. It was mission impossible to get a good run. He couldn’t take a breath and had to go for home too quick, so we set up the race for the winner.

“This time on the straight course it will be a different story.”

Lazzat, who is due to be ridden by retained rider James Doyle, will not be the only French-trained performer bidding for Group 1 glory in the Gulf this weekend, with Francis-Henri Graffard’s talented and unexposed sprinter Rayevka also in line to take her chance following a seasonal reappearance fifth in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint over the course and distance.

Other main contenders include the Japanese-trained Lugal, Simon and Ed Crisford’s Cover Up, the improving Northern Champion and the evergreen ten-year-old Khaadem.

Photo: Focus On Racing