There’s a certain electricity in the air when a champion returns. As the floodlights prepare to bathe Meydan Racecourse in gold on Friday, all eyes will be on Dark Saffron — the Group 1 hero whose raw brilliance illuminated Dubai World Cup day back in April.
The Ahmad bin Harmash-trained colt isn’t just returning; he’s setting out to begin a fresh chapter, one that could define his legacy. The three-year-old, who outpaced seasoned older rivals including Tuz, Straight No Chaser, and Nakatomi in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, now faces his own age group over the same 1200-metre stretch in the Emirates Airline Conditions Race, opening the 2025 Dubai Racing Carnival.
Bin Harmash Plots a Sharper Path for His Star Colt
“The plan is different for Dark Saffron this year,” trainer Ahmad bin Harmash revealed with quiet confidence. “We’re targeting the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and then returning for the Shaheen. Last year, he raced often before the big day — now that he’s rated 112, we’ll be more selective, maybe four or five runs in total.”
The colt’s maturity mirrors that of a stable evolving alongside him — streamlined, strategic, and quietly confident of another season in the global spotlight.
Dark Saffron’s small field of challengers includes dual winner Rammayy from Michael Costa’s yard, joined by his filly Arryaaf. While the numbers may be few, the intent is fierce — a proper early-season test for one of Dubai’s brightest dirt stars.
Smart System and Mount Kosciusko Clash in Feature Mile
The official feature, race five, the Emirates 1600-metre Handicap, carries both depth and intrigue. Smart System, a dual Meydan winner and the new standard-bearer for trainer Ali Al Badwawi, is stepping up to the mile for the first time.
“He’s doing great,” said Al Badwawi. “We’ll test him over the mile and see how he shapes up. His last two gallops have been solid — now it’s about translating that form to race night.”
Top weight Mount Kosciusko, guided by Pat Dobbs for Julio Olascoaga, brings proven class and tactical flexibility. “Even though he won twice at Jebel Ali last season, I’ve always felt he’s better suited to Meydan’s dirt,” Olascoaga noted. “With a fast pace expected, things could fall perfectly for him.”
New Faces and Global Connections
Among the evening’s fascinating subplots is Kalidasa, the former Charlie Appleby runner now with Bhupat Seemar. Purchased for AED400,000 by the Suited & Booted Syndicate, the Frankel gelding’s debut will be watched closely.
“Kalidasa is a big, elegant horse by Frankel out of So Mi Dar, bred for turf, but it’ll be exciting to see him on dirt and gauge his competitiveness,” said managing owner Paul Ebbs.
Adding an international flavour, British trainer Jamie Osborne sends Vino Sauro into the Arabian Adventures Maiden over 1400 metres. “He’s owned by Hicky Parmar, Walter Moraes, and Sayed Hashish along with myself,” Osborne said. “He’s got a nice attitude and should stay beyond seven furlongs, but this is a good place to start.”
Olascoaga also introduces Knockmark, formerly with Ger Lyons in Ireland, who placed twice on turf before shipping to Dubai. “He’s been straightforward since arriving and may prefer turf later, but his dirt work suggests he’s ready to run well,” he said.
Dark Stream Adds Global Touch to the Finale
The night closes with the Emirates Skywards Handicap (1600m), led by Denmark’s Dark Stream, a four-time winner trained by Veronika Jandova. Brazilian ace Silvestre de Sousa partners Norato, who has been edging closer to a maiden win.
“Norato has been knocking on the door,” said Olascoaga. “This is a strong field, but it’s time to see him deliver.”
The Emirates Courier Express Two-Year-Old Maiden earlier on the card should also spark interest, featuring promising types Benghazi Star (bin Harmash) and Six Speed (Seemar).
With racing beginning at 5:30 PM and tickets starting from AED10, Meydan’s opening night promises fireworks, fresh storylines, and perhaps the first glimpse of the next global star.
Read the full race preview and Dubai Carnival updates at RaceBuzz.
