'He's Always Going To Show Up': Junior Alvarado Confident In Senor Buscador Ahead Of Dubai World Cup

Saudi Cup winning jockey Junior Alvarado is relishing the chance to add a second major Middle Eastern title to his CV when he and Senor Buscador line up alongside some of the best in the world at the G1 Dubai World Cup this Saturday.

Reflecting on an extraordinary night at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Alvarado said: “Turning in I had a lot of ground to make up, so I was a little worried. In Senor Buscador’s case, I came round the outside and I was following Ushba Tesoro. I was then attempting to finish in the minor places which would’ve been good, but then I thought second would be great and all of a sudden 50 meters before the wire, I thought ‘I have a chance here’. I went all out, and he kept digging, he fought and got to the wire first.”

Alvarado expressed confidence that Senor Buscador would adapt to the new challenge of Dubai and his attempt to land the Middle Eastern double.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to ride in Dubai, so I don’t know how different the surface is compared to Saudi, but from watching race replays, I think Senor Buscador will handle the dirt completely fine," Alvarado said. "If anything, the track will favor us because of the nice long straight as he’s a big horse that keeps coming and coming.

“The Dubai World Cup is going to be competitive. I don’t think I can point out one horse in particular, but the danger would be if there’s not enough pace. The pace will play a big factor, and we will try to avoid traffic when it’s time to make a run. He’s always going to show up and he’s going to run a big race, so there isn’t a specific horse to be scared of in the field.”