Trainer Mike De Kock has been forced to change plans for his Australian bred colt Musir in the lead-up to the G1 Dubai World Cup on March 26.

Musir (4c Redoute’s Choice – Dizzy De Lago by Encosta De Lago) was originally slated to have his final World Cup preliminary in the G3 Burj Nahaar (1600m) at Meydan on Thursday night.  He will now run in the G2 Maktoum Challenge (Round 3) over 2000m.

De Kock changed course when stablemate Bold Silvano was scratched from the Maktoum Challenge after suffering a bruised hoof earlier this week.  
Musir won the UAE 2000 Guineas – Derby double last year and he was repatriated to Australia for a Cox Plate campaign.  Unfortunately, scans revealed wear and tear on his joints and vets advised an immediate spell.

Musir reappeared from an 11 month absence in the Firebreak Stakes at Meydan last month and he finished an encouraging second to Godolphin galloper Skysurfers (E Dubai).

Owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa offered Musir for sale at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but passed him in at $900,000.  Sent to South Africa, he posted a G1 victory in the 2009 Golden Horseshoe before joining De Kock’s team for the 2010 Dubai carnival.