The Dubai Racing Carnival ushers in the festive season at Meydan Racecourse on Friday evening with a bumper nine-race programme, headlined by the G2 Madjani Stakes [Sponsored by Nakheel] for Purebred Arabians — the sole Group contest on the card.
The spotlight falls once again on RB Frynchh Dude, the 2020 winner who bids to reclaim the title five years on. Now a nine-year-old and reunited with trainers Helal and Tahnon Alalawi, he arrives in resurgent form after a confident success at Al Ain last month. With seven career wins — including the 2021 G1 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 — the veteran is widely respected by the field of 12.
“We’re truly delighted to see RB Frynchh Dude back in winning form,” said Alalawi. “He’s a special horse with a big heart, and the team has worked hard to bring him back to this level. His latest performance reflects his class, and we’re very excited about what’s ahead for him.”
Among his key rivals is the unbeaten AA Lahab, perfect in three starts and winner of the 2024 G3 Al Ain Mile. Trained by Tony Gammell, the colt arrives after a winning trial at Jebel Ali and will be tested at Meydan for the first time.
“AA Lahab is doing well,” said Gammell. “He’s been to Meydan for a few gallops which have gone well. This race will show us where his fitness is and help shape the season ahead.”
Another strong contender is Unleashed, last season’s G1 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 victor. Jockey Richie Mullen, who retains the ride, expects improvement despite a wide draw in stall 12.
“He had a very good season last year, although it tailed off a little towards the back end,” said Mullen. “He always improves for his first start and this is a good race to begin his campaign. The draw hasn’t been very kind, but it should set him up well for the season.”
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Army Ethos Headlines Dubai Islands Handicap
Race six, the 1200m Dubai Islands Handicap, is the feature among the Thoroughbred events, drawing a competitive field of 12.
Bahrain-based handler Fawzi Nass sends out Army Ethos, who makes his Dubai debut after wins in the UK and Bahrain.
“Army Ethos runs for the first time on dirt,” said jockey Adrie de Vries. “He’s worked well on it and seems comfortable. Ideally, we’d prefer 1400m, but with no options available, this will have to do.”
UK recruit Dapper Valley represents Syndicate Deva Racing, now with Bhupat Seemar after three wins this season.
“He’s been training well on the dirt since arriving in Dubai,” said Deva Racing’s Ryan Tongue. “This is a higher grade than his Kempton win, but he carries a nice low weight and we’re looking forward to seeing him run.”
Another noteworthy entry is Ma Yetal, trained by Michael Costa. After two Meydan wins and a pair of Group 3 appearances, the four-year-old now steps into handicap company.
“If his work comes over to race day then he’ll be back in the thick of it,” said Costa.
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Manshod Targets Turf Success; Vespasian Returns
Costa also sends out the unbeaten Manshod in the first division of the 1200m Naya Residences Turf Handicap (race seven), following two Abu Dhabi victories.
“This looks a suitable race to step into,” he said of the Australian-bred son of Animal Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Vespasian returns for Simon and Ed Crisford with Danny Tudhope aboard.
“He ran a super race in the Shergar Cup and just bounced on soft ground afterwards,” said Ed Crisford. “He’ll improve and this run should set him up for a winter campaign.”
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Devon Island Aims to Build on Impressive Debut
Devon Island, a five-length winner on his Meydan debut, heads race eight — the 1600m Como Residences Conditions for two-year-olds. Charlie Appleby’s colt faces 10 rivals, including the reopposing Brotherly Love and Uruguay import Don Pelicano, who carries 61kg due to his Southern Hemisphere age advantage and Group form.
“Don Pelicano came from Uruguay just over a month ago,” said trainer Julio Olascoaga. “He’s well-bred and I think he’ll run well, but it’s competitive and he has to carry a penalty.”
British-based trainer Dylan Cunha saddles Tailgunner Joe, purchased specifically with Dubai in mind.
“He’s improved on dirt in his work and has done two good gallops with Gun Carriage,” said Cunha. “He’s around 90 per cent fit but should run well.”
Cunha’s Gun Carriage contests race five, the 1600m Nakheel Handicap, stepping out after two encouraging pieces of work at Meydan.
“He’s taken to the track well,” said Cunha. “A mile may be short for him, but he has gate speed and should stay the trip.”
A formidable opponent is Royal Favour, who won by eight lengths when last seen.
“He’s a really nice horse,” said Crisford. “This is a starting point and he’ll improve, but he’s come back well.”
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Competitive Finale Expected in Palm Jumeirah Handicap
The night concludes with a 14-runner second division of the 1800m Palm Jumeirah Turf Handicap.
Appleby sends out Newmarket winner Mothecombe, while Olascoaga saddles Don Vaccaro, expected to progress from his fourth at Jebel Ali.
“He’s been training very well on the turf,” said Olascoaga. “A prep run has brought him on, and I think there’s more to come.”
Stay tuned as Racebuzz for more such updates.
