Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse will host a 10-race extravaganza on Friday, showcasing some of the world’s finest equine talent. All eyes will be on dual South African Group 1 winner Quid Pro Quo, who makes her local debut in the G2 Cape Verdi over 1600 metres on turf. The four-year-old filly, now in the care of Team Valor and France-based trainer Jerome Reynier, has already made her mark with victories in the G1 Allan Robertson Championship and the G1 Douglas Whyte Stakes.
Quid Pro Quo recently returned from a run in the Listed Prix Miss Satamixa at Deauville, where she finished tenth, but her team is optimistic. “She’s moving really well on the dirt but we are looking forward to seeing her back on turf,” said Reynier. “It will be a very different set up from her reappearance the other day. We hope to see her full potential on Friday and aim for the Balanchine next time out.” Barry Irwin of Team Valor added, “We are excited for her return to the grass and having a race under her girth after a lengthy absence.”
The Cape Verdi line-up is compact but competitive. Among her rivals is three-time winner Riyabovka, trained by Nicolas Caullery, who makes her Meydan debut this weekend. “She’s quite happy in Dubai but still has her winter coat,” said Marine Henry, assistant to Caullery. “We’ll be happy if she can get fourth or third.” Norwegian trainer Silja Storen brings Capitana Bling, a Listed winner in Sweden, while UAE stalwart Saeed bin Suroor fields Dubai Treasure and Dubai Beach, both with promising form.
Friday’s supporting feature is the AED400,000 Cocoa Beach Stakes for three-year-old fillies over dirt. Labwah, a recent Shahama Stakes winner, heads a 15-strong field. Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer said, “Labwah is in good order. The extra furlong will suit her, and the expected pace should play into her hands.” She’s Essential, a late-developing filly from the same stable, will use the race as an educational run. Doug Watson’s Russian import Pretty And Famous adds further intrigue, having impressed in morning workouts at Meydan.
The meeting concludes with the Vazirabad Handicap over 2410 metres on turf, featuring horses from five nations. UK-based Jane Chapple-Hyam sends Claymore, a local Group 1 winner from Hungary, while Spain-based Efrain Arguinzones presents Irish-bred nine-year-old Finely Tuned. Globetrotting horses continue to shine with Norway’s Niels Petersen fielding War Socks in the Burj Azizi Handicap over a mile. War Socks, seasoned in Royal Ascot and Goodwood contests, faces G2 winner Flight Plan and new UAE import Hawksbill.
Other notable entries include Chapple-Hyam’s local debutant Calyxoh and Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Righthere Rightnow in the Azizi Venice Handicap over 1200 metres. Both trainers highlight fitness and positioning as crucial factors for a strong performance.
Meydan’s Friday card promises a blend of international flair and local talent, with several horses marking their first appearances in the UAE. From seasoned Group 1 winners to promising newcomers, racing fans are in for a captivating evening under the lights.
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