With the Dubai World Cup just weeks away, Meydan Racecourse hosts its final night of action before the big event on April 5. The Dubai Racing Carnival concludes on Friday with a competitive nine-race card featuring runners from six different countries, setting the stage for an exciting evening of international racing.
The 2410-metre Longines Spirit Flyback Handicap on turf has drawn a strong field of 14, with MAX MAYHEM carrying top weight. Trainer Hilal Kobeissi is optimistic about another bold performance from his charge, who finished a solid third over 1800 metres last time out. “We’re hoping for another good run and have made a positive jockey booking in Adrie De Vries,” he said. Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta is well represented in the contest with THUNDERING and SHAMRAN, to be ridden by Vaclav Janacek and Bernardo Pinheiro, respectively.
MARKAKOL, a length-and-a-half winner over 1000 metres last month, bids for back-to-back victories in the Longines Master Collection Handicap. Trainer Julio Olascoaga believes his runner is in peak condition but acknowledges the challenge ahead. “He struggled early in the season to adapt, but he’s continued well after his last win. However, this is a competitive race, and he might miss the apprentice claim from last time.” The field also includes the experienced BATWAN, who makes his 60th career start. While his owner and daily rider Marine Henry believes this might be a slightly easier field than in previous years, she admits he may now need a longer trip.
The Caullery stable will also be represented in the 2000-metre dirt Longines Legend Diver Handicap by RUSSIPANT FAL, who switches surfaces in search of a change in fortunes. “He wasn’t very lucky during this Carnival, so why not try the dirt?” said Henry. The race also features a rematch between MASHKOOR and HAVANDI, who were separated by less than a length last month. HAVANDI’s trainer Nina Lensvik is hopeful of reversing that result. “He’s been training very well, and I’m optimistic he can finish among the first few.”
Earlier in the evening, Olascoaga’s EXPERT CHOICE looks to build on his recent success in the Longines Conquest Handicap over 1400 metres on turf. “He doesn’t show much in the mornings but performs in the afternoons, always above expectations,” said the trainer. “He steps up in category and drops in distance, which shouldn’t be a problem for him. We’re happy to have Jim Crowley back on board.” The race also features two runners from Saeed Bin Suroor, OLYMPIC CANDLE and ARABIC ART, while last week’s winner EL BOSNIA aims for back-to-back wins under Janacek.
Adding to the evening’s excitement is the arrival of international jockeys looking to make their mark at Meydan. Indian jockey Suraj Narredu returns to the UAE for the first time since 2006 and will take the reins on DIAMOND DEALER for Bhupat Seemar in race eight and LENORMAND for Osama Refai in race nine. With over 2,400 career wins, including 100 Classics, Narredu is eager for the opportunity. “It’s great to be back in Dubai. I’m really excited to be coming back after such a long time, as the last time I rode here was at Nad Al Sheba,” he said. “I’m thankful to my friend, [Bloodstock Agent] Ajay Anne, for helping me to get rides and to Bhupat Seemar and Osama Refai for giving me the opportunity to ride their horses. I hope I can do well on the day.” Also making an appearance in the Jockeys’ Room is Libyan rider Khaled Alalos, who will partner THE ICE PHOENIX for trainer Lucie Botti in race three, the Longines Conquest Handicap. Turkish G1-winning rider Gokhan Yildiz, riding in Dubai for just the second time, will compete aboard MIQYAAS in race six and NASTASE in race nine for Rashed Bouresly.
Racing gets underway at 5:30 p.m. with the Longines La Grande Classique Handicap for Purebred Arabians, where a full field of 16 lines up. With a host of strong contenders across the card, the final meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival promises thrilling competition before all eyes turn to the Dubai World Cup next month.
