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Victorian jockey Anthony Darmanin was handed an unexpected bonus at Meydan on Tuesday morning when he was called on to partner the Kris Lees-trained sprinter Brave Smash in his first fast gallop in Dubai.

On Saturday Darmanin, a recent headline maker in Melbourne with his Group One double on the outstanding Tasmanian filly Mystic Journey, will be riding fellow Australian sprinter Illustrious Lad in the $2 million Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan for trainer Peter Gelagotis.

However on Tuesday he was called on by the connections of Brave Smash to ride the Japanese import in a fast straight track gallop that left onlookers in awe.

“It was a good piece of work, we just wanted him to have a look around to familiarise himself with the environment,” said Maddie Raymond, Brave Smash’s travelling groom and regular track rider.

“It was decided that we wanted a jockey to ride him in this gallop and Anthony has spent a lot of time in the same barn as us with Brave Smash.

“He’s a good jockey and he gave him a solid tune-up this morning.”

Brave Smash arrived in Dubai on March 17 with Kris Lees scheduled to land in the UAE on Wednesday to put the final touches to the sprinter’s preparation for Saturday’s G1 sprint over the straight 1200m course.

Raymond has been delighted with the way Brave Smash had settled into his new surroundings.

“He’s really well, he’s eating up and just taking it all in his stride,” she said.

“I think he really relishes being in a new environment, it switches him on and he really enjoys it.”

Champion Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman will be aboard Brave Smash on Saturday.

Australia’s other Al Quoz hope Viddora and her trainer Lloyd Kennewell made their first appearance at trackwork on Tuesday.

Kennewell was taken by the slick turf gallop from the mare.

“The way she worked this morning, I don’t think anyone would have missed it,” Kennewell said.

“We gave her a gallop over the Flemington straight 1200m before she left and this morning down the straight she really quickened late so I’m confident that she will be suited on Saturday.”

“You won’t miss her when she’s walking around the track. She’s got a booty like Beyonce, she floats around and poses for the cameras, she loves it.

“She knows she’s on the big stage and she has one of the best attitudes any horse can have, so honest and genuine.”

Kennewell confirmed that Viddora will be retired at the end of this season in July.

“This is her final campaign before she heads off to stud,” Kennewell said.

“I’m looking forward to her showing the world what she’s got. Hong Kong is off the agenda now but we’ll take it one race at a time and hopefully there’s a big race left in her.”