Charlie Appleby’s formidable record in the Dubai Millennium Stakes will be tested again on Friday evening, with five rival trainers lining up to loosen his grip on one of Meydan’s most prestigious middle-distance prizes. The Group 3 contest, run over 2,000 metres on turf, has long been a proving ground for elite performers, and this year’s renewal brings together proven international form and emerging local talent.
Named in honour of the 2000 Dubai World Cup hero Dubai Millennium, the Dubai Millennium Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class winners, including horses who later graduated to the highest level. Friday’s race, the sixth on the card, looks set to continue that tradition.
Appleby relies on a familiar double-handed approach. Dubai Racing Club Classic winner By The Book, partnered by William Buick, brings strong course credentials, while Arabian Light arrives on the back of a decisive Zabeel Turf success, with Billy Loughnane taking the ride. Both have shown an affinity for Meydan and arrive in peak condition.
“By The Book and Arabian Light go into this in great order,” Appleby said. “It is the first time in Group company for both horses, but they bring nice profiles into the race and have won around Meydan. I would be disappointed if they are not players at this level.”
Dubai Millennium Stakes Rivals Bring Depth and Variety
Opposition to the Appleby pair is led by Crystal Black, making his first appearance in the UAE for Irish trainer Gerard Keane. The seven-year-old enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, highlighted by victories at Royal Ascot and Leopardstown, and brings seasoned European form into the Dubai Millennium Stakes.
Another intriguing runner is Chibitty, who has recently joined David Simcock after racing in France. The trainer reports a smooth transition to his new surroundings.
“We’ve only had him since November but he’s proved very straightforward,” Simcock said. “He’s settled into Dubai very well. The only question is fast ground, as all his French form came with a bit of ease. If he handles it, he should run very well. It’s a good opportunity and we’ll learn plenty.”
The supporting races on the card are equally compelling. Over sprint distances, Dark Saffron returns to turf following an eventful start to the season. Trainer Ahmad bin Harmash is keen to restore confidence in the Group 1 winner.
“We want him to travel behind the leaders and finish his race,” he said. “This should help him regain his rhythm.”
Symbol Of Honour, a dual Carnival winner, also reappears, with Appleby noting that improvement is expected as the season progresses.
New to the local scene is Rebel’s Gamble, now trained by Oscar Berneklint after previous success in Britain. The Swedish handler is quietly optimistic, despite preferring a slightly longer trip.
“He looks smashing in the mornings and we’re very happy with him,” Berneklint said.
Berneklint also saddles Lamborghini BF, a multiple winner in Scandinavia, adding a family subplot as he lines up against his father, Fredrik Reuterskiold.
The international theme continues in the Mawj Stakes, where Spanish raider Gelinotte meets fillies from across Europe and the UAE. Trainer Efrain Arguinzones views the race as an important stepping stone.
“She has settled in very well and this is her prep for the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas,” he said.
In the opening Jumeirah Guineas Trial, Title Role aims to build on an encouraging recent effort. Trainer Ed Crisford believes the colt is still learning.
“He’s improving with every run and has a great mind,” he said. “We’re very pleased with how he’s training.”
The dirt races add further intrigue, with Antrim seeking a second straight success on the surface, while Force And Valour continues an upward trajectory after two strong performances.
As the floodlights come on at Meydan, the spotlight will inevitably return to the Dubai Millennium Stakes, where Appleby’s dominance faces a renewed and genuinely international challenge.
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