Quality and variety define Friday’s card at Meydan, where a strong international field assembles for nine races that range from competitive handicaps to promising three-year-old contests. With familiar names returning and new faces stepping onto the Dubai stage, the programme carries significance well beyond its prize structure.
At the heart of the programme sits the Lord North Handicap, a 1,800-metre turf contest that draws a field of 12 and provides an early-season measure of middle-distance strength. The race takes its name from one of the modern greats of the Dubai Turf, and its roll call this year is suitably international.
Flight Plan commands attention on pedigree and past performance. Trained by Karl Burke, the five-year-old is a Group 2 winner and brings strong European form into his first appearance in Dubai. A solid fifth behind a stable companion at Kempton in December suggested his wellbeing, and his earlier third over a similar trip at York confirmed that the distance is well within range.
Burke reported himself pleased with the horse’s condition since arrival, noting that he has settled well and worked with fluency. Drawn low, Flight Plan should have every chance to use his tactical speed on a track that rewards balance and timing.
Among his rivals is Fort George, making his first start at Meydan for Ed Walker. The gelding has impressed in recent work and arrives with a profile that suggests further progress. Walker, fresh from celebrating a Dubai success earlier in the carnival, has spoken positively about Fort George’s physical condition and recovery, indicating that the assignment comes at the right time.
The supporting cast includes last-time-out winner Native American, who edged out Mothecome when the pair last met, while Arabian Story returns to action following a mid-season break, bringing proven top-level form back into the spotlight.
Meydan Racecards Friday Spotlight: Al Wasl Stakes
The Al Wasl Stakes, race five on the card, offers a fascinating straight-track test for just-turned three-year-olds. Eleven line up for the sprint, with several already boasting black-type credentials from their juvenile campaigns.
Words Of Truth sets the standard on form, having shown consistency and quality throughout last season. His connections report that he has strengthened over the winter and adapted smoothly to his new surroundings, making him a natural reference point for the field.
Stable companions Maximised and Sword Maker add depth to the contest. Maximised showed promise early in his career before losing momentum later in the year, while Sword Maker progressed steadily with racing and is expected to continue that upward curve. Their presence ensures that pace and positioning will play a decisive role along the straight.
Swedish trainer Oscar Berneklint adds an intriguing angle with two runners, including Supreme Shine, the sole filly in the race. Both have reportedly acclimatised well, though the straight course and sharp nature of the contest may ask a demanding question on seasonal return.
Spanish Champion Returns to the Meydan Stage
Race three, the Jebel Ali Port Handicap, marks the seasonal reappearance of runners from Spanish champion trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta, whose past visits to Dubai have yielded notable success. Gold Index makes his first start of the campaign here after a decisive victory in Madrid last autumn, and his connections are keen to see how he measures up in deeper international company.
The field also features Hallasan, a previous trial winner at the track, and Giustino, who brings elite-level South American form into the mix, ensuring a searching examination over the trip.
Arizkorreta later saddles the experienced Furioso in the We One Handicap on dirt. Now ten, Furioso has competed across a wide range of surfaces and locations, and his adaptability will again be tested against a full field that includes the progressive Gun Carriage, who shaped with promise on his dirt debut last month.
Silver Sword Seeks Another Meydan Success
The closing Mina Hamriya Handicap over 1,900 metres on turf brings together a deep 16-runner field, highlighted by two greys. San Sebastian continues Arizkorreta’s strong representation, while Silver Sword arrives in peak condition after a recent course victory.
Drawn wide, Silver Sword will need to overcome a tricky starting position, but further improvement has been noted at home. A clear passage could see him add another strong finish to his Meydan record.
Across the card, the themes are familiar yet compelling: international ambition, careful preparation, and the subtle demands of a track that rewards patience as much as speed. The Meydan racecards Friday promise a night of layered narratives and early clues for the weeks ahead.
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