The Dubai Racing Carnival continues to gather momentum on Friday evening as Meydan Racecourse stages the 11th meeting of the season, a card shaped by depth of quality, international participation, and some of the sport’s most recognisable riders. With capacity fields across the programme, the night reflects the Carnival at its most competitive, where proven performers and emerging names meet under lights that rarely forgive anything less than peak condition.
The centrepiece is the Lord Glitters Handicap, a race named in honour of the popular Group 1-winning grey and one that has drawn a full field of 16 runners for the 1800-metre turf contest. European challengers once again play a prominent role, led by Sean, a last-start winner for Jamie Osborne, and Dante’s Lad, who shaped with promise when third on his local debut for Ian Williams.
Connections of Dante’s Lad report marked improvement since that initial Meydan appearance, with the slight drop in distance expected to play to his strengths. His strong cruising speed and recent work have encouraged confidence that he can take another step forward in deeper company.
Another visitor from Britain, Dividend, arrives after a solid introduction to Dubai racing when finishing third over 1600 metres. Having enjoyed a smoother preparation this time, his team believes the gelding is ready to progress with greater physical strength and sharper race fitness now on his side.
Local interest is added by Al Aali, a former Group 3-placed runner in France, who continues to adapt to new surroundings. Though still learning his craft at Meydan, recent training has suggested meaningful progress, and this assignment offers a useful measure of where he stands within a demanding division.
The race also marks the return of João Moreira to Meydan for the first time since 2024. The Brazilian star takes the ride on Bullace, a four-time winner in France, whose consistency and toughness have earned him a deserved opportunity at this level. Despite a wide draw, confidence remains that experience and tactical awareness can compensate over the extended trip.
Northern Champion Targets Another Carnival Success
Momentum within the Dubai Racing Carnival has also been firmly on the side of British trainer Ed Walker, whose representatives have made a perfect start to the meeting so far. Northern Champion will attempt to maintain that record in race five, the Dubai Trophy, where he seeks to remain unbeaten at Meydan.
The three-year-old returns after edging out Catullus by a head in the Jumeirah Stakes and now faces that rival again, albeit under a slightly higher weight. The form has already been boosted elsewhere, and the step up in intensity is viewed as a natural progression rather than a concern. His toughness and willingness have become defining traits, and he now moves up to six furlongs under the guidance of Oisin Murphy, who returns to the Carnival for a select group of rides.
Catullus, meanwhile, is expected to benefit from the shorter distance, with his connections noting his ability to travel strongly through races. Having come out of his recent run in good order, he shapes as a major presence once more.
The Crisford team adds further intrigue with Flying Comet, who arrives in winning form after success in the Al Wasl Stakes. Continued improvement could see him firmly involved again, while Maximized, who finished behind him on his seasonal return, is expected to strip fitter with that outing behind him.
Speed and Strength on the Dirt and Turf
Later on the card, Cats By Five looks to confirm his authority in the Burj Azizi Handicap over 1200 metres on dirt. His recent victory over Danyah was both decisive and controlled, and his robust frame and early pace remain valuable assets in another crowded field.
The closing stages of the meeting bring further international flavour. Jouncy, a former Group 3-placed runner in Britain, makes his local debut on turf after settling well into Dubai life. His early work has pleased his new connections, and the race is viewed as a platform to gauge his long-term prospects at the Carnival.
Earlier in the evening, Expert Choice returns to his preferred distance in the Azizi Venice Handicap. Having overcome early-season setbacks, he now faces a deep group of milers that includes several overseas challengers, underlining the sustained strength of competition that has become a hallmark of this stage of the Carnival.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival moves deeper into its schedule, Friday’s card stands as a reminder of what defines the meeting: strong international depth, elite riding talent, and races that demand precision rather than reputation.
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