It has been a wintery start to the year, and the next week doesn't look any better with the temperatures to remain around freezing, playing havoc with British racing. However, the weather in Dubai is somewhat warmer, and that is where Onesmoothoperator is heading, on the start of another foreign adventure. He will spend the night at Newmarket, before heading to Stanstead Airport in the early hours of tomorrow for his flight, which should reach Dubai around 21.30 local time.

Unfortunately, this time, Matt Brown is unable to accompany Smoothie, as he did to Australia, but he has handed him over to the very capable hands of Kayleigh Rayner, who will look after him for the duration of the trip.

Smoothie's first run is pencilled in for Meydan on the 24th January.

Photo right is Onesmoothoperator and Matt Brown at Altona, Melbourne in November.