By MIKE DILLON
Sunline has drawn barrier No 9 for Saturday's $US2 million Dubai Duty Free and the locals say that's perfect.
"No 8 or No9 is exactly where you want to be at the 1777m starting point," said former Australian racing journalist Martin Talty, who has for the last five years worked for the Emirates Racing Association.
"From there Sunline will be able to dictate the race.
"She'll be able to lead if she wants to or take a sit just off a leader if something wants to go crazy in front."
There is a 300m run to the first bend from the 1777m barrier.
There is a strong suggestion the grass track, inside the main dirt track, will suit horses racing on the speed on Saturday night.
"The inside five metres has not been raced on for two or three months," said Talty.
"It is virgin grass on the inside and it would seem likely that will suit those racing close to the fence."
Sunline can handle just about any surface, but her clear preference is for footing which is not too hard.
The grass cover at Nad Al Sheba racetrack is particularly lush and deep and will provide a perfect cushion for the Takanini mare, whose outstanding form also extends to wet tracks.
Sunline got through pacework at Nad Al Sheba yesterday, continuing to please trainers Trevor and Stephen McKee.
"She's tremendous, I couldn't wish to have her any better at this stage," said Trevor McKee.
The mare will have her final training run at speed this morning, going only quietly over 800m and not looking for anything like race pace.
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