Meydan felt unusually alive on Thursday evening as onlookers leaned over the rail to watch Mufasa glide through his final canter, the gelding pricking his ears as if he recognised the attention. Just a few metres away, Dark Saffron’s groom planted a quiet kiss on the colt’s neck before leading him back to the barns — a small moment that captured the emotional weight behind Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival showdown.
The two headline acts meet in a fiercely contested renewal of the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint, where only seven runners stand between them and another defining moment of the winter.
Mufasa, Dark Saffron Ready for Carnival Clash
Dark Saffron returns to the spotlight as a three-year-old who has grown in confidence since his breakout success earlier in the year. His trainer, Ahmad bin Harmash, watched him school on the dirt this week with a quiet smile, admitting later that the colt’s maturity has surprised even those closest to him. The youngster must shoulder the highest weight in the line-up, a challenge his team views as a test of character rather than concern.
Mufasa, now under the care of Bhupat Seemar, has also been turning heads at trackwork. Racing Manager Abdulla Muammer described the sprinter’s recent bursts of speed as “a clear signal that six furlongs might be where he truly shines this season.” Their confidence is tempered by respect for the opposition, but the stable’s anticipation is unmistakable.
Veteran performer Colour Up adds another layer to the contest. His owner, Sayed Hashish, admitted the inside draw may not be ideal for a horse who prefers to stalk rather than force the issue, but he remains upbeat about the gelding’s condition. “He’s seven, but he feels fresher than ever,” he said, monitoring him from behind sunglasses as the field schooled.
Riders, Raiders and Rising Names Populate the Card
British trainer Charlie Fellowes returns to Meydan for the first time since 2022, sending out the energetic Gorak for the 1400-metre Ford Handicap. Fellowes said the journey back to Dubai felt like “coming home,” though he remains unsure how Gorak will adapt to the dirt. “He jumps fast, he keeps rolling, and sometimes that’s all you need here,” he said.
The race also features Destructive, newly transferred to the Seemar team, with Tadhg O’Shea taking the ride. Deva Racing’s Ryan Tongue expressed satisfaction with how the gelding has settled in, noting that Friday represents “a clean, encouraging starting point.”
A wide-open Ford Mach-E Handicap earlier on the card has Itsatenfromten, Norato and Gray Boss all arriving with winning form. Doug Watson believes Itsatenfromlen — a powerful mover with a deep stride — may have found the surface he’s been waiting for. “He gives me the same feeling Midnight Sands once did,” Watson said, watching the bay stretch out in a long, even gallop.
British challenger Silver Sword also tries the dirt for the first time. Trainer Dylan Cunha hopes the gelding’s early pace will help him settle. “If he enjoys it, a whole new programme opens up for him,” Cunha said. “Ray [Dawson] knows him inside out, and that always helps.”
Two-Year-Olds Take Centre Stage Early on Carnival Night
The evening’s juvenile race — a 1400-metre Lincoln Maiden — may yet reveal a new name to follow. Lino Padrino, representing Suited & Booted and My Future Champions Racing, has shown promising signs in trials. Managing owner Paul Ebbs believes Friday will be a key learning step: “He’s growing into himself — a big, raw type who’ll be better with time.”
Czech rider Sabina Mokrosova makes her first professional appearance at Meydan aboard Lady Garfield, having guided the filly through morning work for two weeks. “The track feels amazing beneath her,” she said. “Riding here is something I’ve dreamed of — now it’s real.”
Road Bloc, Silent Age and a Strong Undercard Snapshot
Road Bloc, who regained rhythm and confidence with a win last month, returns for the Fort Mustang Handicap over 1200 metres. Hashish, who owns him in partnership with Hana Refai, was thrilled to see Antonio Fresu reunited with the sprinter. “He knows exactly when to ask the question,” he said.
Silent Age, another member of Hashish’s team, continues his development in the Lincoln Navigator Handicap over 2000 metres. Bred from prestigious lines, he showed promise despite being short of peak fitness last time. Watson believes the gelding’s natural gate speed could be a valuable asset on the surface.
Racing begins at 5:30pm, with spectators expected to gather early to watch the latest wave of international and local contenders step into the spotlight.
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