Pia Brandt should be described as a world-traveling trainer. Her horses travel far and wide. She, herself a Swede was initially based in Sweden. Brandt rode 80-odd winners as a professional during three seasons in Sweden until she decided to concentrate on training. Although it probably was not easy, Brandt and her husband, former jockey Joakim, relocated to the competitive French scene. Their horse, UAE 1000 Guineas winner Silva is aimed at the Gr.3 UAE Derby on the Dubai World Cup undercard.Ten Furlongs speaks to Mdme Pia Brandt about her horses especially Silva in an exclusive interview:
Q: Congrats on your success with Silva at Meydan. What is he pointed at for Dubai World Cup night? Which races have you planned for her next?
A: And finally, have you made any plans as to where she will be racing during the rest of the year? Thank you. She is now running 21/2 in Gr.3UAE Oaks. She is entered in the UAE Derby on World Cup night we will decide after her next run what the future will be. She is entered in France in the D'essai De Pouliche and Prix Diane.
Q: What made you decide that DWCC was the right opportunity for Silva?
A: After her win in Deauville the owners asked me straight away if she could be a "Dubai" filly. I wasn't too keen on going since she was still very immature. We watched the 1000 Guineas trial and I was not too impressed with anyone except the winner. I called and asked a jockey friend about the competitors and he said that Silva will finish with the 3 first in UAE Oaks. So I decided to go.
Q: What kind of filly is she to train? And how did she come to you?
A: Mr. Bifov has had horses with us for several years now with success. I also had her brother Fas. Silva took some time to find herself as a two-year-old. She is not big but she had natural 2-year-old problems and that's why she had her first run in late autumn. She is a bit laid back in and is just doing what you ask her to do. She can be still very childish in the mornings.
Q: What about Fas and Called To The Bar? Which races are they pointed at in the Carnival and on DWC night? What are your expectations from them this year, especially Called To The Bar, who has done so well in France recently?
A: Fas is running a handicap race, the 21/2over 6 furlongs. He is not back to his 3-year-old form but hopefully one day! However, Called to the bar is not going to Dubai. He stays in France for his first run and then the plan is to run him at Ascot in April in a Group Three. His first big goal of the year is The Ascot Gold Cup.
Q: Who would you consider you stable stars in France? And which was the best horse you ever trained?
A: I would have to say Silva, Kingstar and Called To The bar. These horses have proved themselves. Hopefully, we have a future star in the yard. Fingers crossed. Mont Ormel won my first Group One so has to be the best horse for me but also Bathyrhon who had already won the Gr.2Prix Vicomtesse Vigier twice and Gr.3 Prix Gladiateur as well. Unfortunately, he was beaten in his Group One attempts.
Published In Tenfurlongs Journey To The Dubai World Cup Vol - V
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