Dan Blacker, a California-based trainer, traveled to Dubai to watch his horse Straight No Chaser work ahead of the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Blacker, who graduated from the Godolphin Flying Start program, has always hoped to compete on World Cup night and is thrilled to have the opportunity with this horse. Straight No Chaser has been successful in recent races, including a win at the Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia.

Blacker’s main rival in the Golden Shaheen will be Tuz, purchased by bloodstock agent Conor Foley for $7,000 in 2018. Blacker respects Tuz’s talent and acknowledges the challenge of competing on a new surface in Dubai. Straight No Chaser has shown resilience and adaptability in his races, thriving in different environments and taking everything in stride.

Despite facing challenges early in his career, Straight No Chaser has proven to be a special horse for Blacker. The horse’s success has allowed Blacker to compete on a global stage and share the excitement of horse racing with a large group of owners through micro-share company MyRacehorse. Blacker is grateful for the opportunity to train such a talented horse and looks forward to the future with Straight No Chaser.