Trainer Mark Riley has ticked off one of the boxes in Gold In Dubai’s country Cups campaign in Queensland and is hoping to mark off another in the Listed Caloundra Cup.

However, Riley surprised many by also entering the five-year-old for Saturday’s Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) as well as the 2400-metre Caloundra Cup.

“The Glasshouse is a precaution but he’s going to the Cup,” Riley said.

“The reason for nominating in the Glasshouse was in case something unforeseen happens with the weather.

“Caloundra is a lovely big track and copes well with the wet but there’s a forecast for showers and I wouldn’t want to run him and give him a gut-buster on a bog track.”

Gold In Dubai received equal second topweight of 57 kilograms in the Caloundra Cup, 1.5kg less than topweight Ironstein, and 55.5kg in the Glasshouse Handicap.

Riley’s father Martin has been caring for Gold In Dubai in Queensland and the pair seem to have an affinity.

“He (Gold In Dubai) is a real sook but since he’s been up there he’s attached himself to Dad,” Riley said.

“There’s nothing special we’ve done with him but he’s thriving in the warmer climate.”

Gold In Dubai was once considered purely a sprinter before Riley tested him over ground in Melbourne during the autumn.

The gelding won over 2000 metres at Flemington on May 7 and then finished second under similar conditions three weeks later before heading to Queensland.

The son of Desert Sun dropped back to 1500 metres when he only beat two home in the Listed Spear Chief handicap at Eagle Farm on June 4 before leading all the way last start in his Listed Ipswich Cup victory on June 18.

Riley is keen to have a shot at the Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) on July 14 with Gold In Dubai if the gelding continues his excellent country Cups form in the north.

“I was born in Melbourne but I grew up in Grafton,” Riley said.

“I was at Grafton last year and it was great to catch up with some of my old school mates.

“It would mean a lot to me to win there but the priority is the horse.

“It would be sentimental to win the Grafton Cup and I’d love to do it.”

Although Gold In Dubai led in his Ipswich Cup victory, Riley will again let jockey Michael Walker ride his own race.

“He doesn’t have to lead. The day he won at Flemington he sat off them,” Riley said.

“But my horse has improved after his last two runs. He loves to travel and is really liking the warmer weather.”