With the Dubai World Cup Carnival in full swing, Meydan Racecourse gears up for another exciting evening on Friday (March 7th) , major highlight of which is going to be the Group 3 Ras Al Khor (sponsored by Azizi). The race has swiftly established itself as a key target for 1400-metre specialists, with 10 runners vying for the AED510,000 first prize.
A fascinating rematch awaits as MARBAAN and MYSTERIOUS NIGHT renew their rivalry, having finished first and second in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort on January 24. Trainer Michael Costa is pleased with MARBAAN’s condition, reporting that the horse has come through his last start in identical shape. Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby is optimistic about MYSTERIOUS NIGHT’s chances, believing that if his charge delivers his best, he will be the one to beat. Also returning from the Al Fahidi Fort is ANDREAS VASALIUS, who finished fourth and seeks to improve on that effort.
The supporting card features the Burj Azizi Handicap over 1600 metres on turf, which includes ALFAREEQ, a dual Group 1 winner who takes a significant drop in grade following a sixth-place finish in the Jebel Hatta. His opponents include the well-known SILVER SWORD, who has been a fixture of this year’s Carnival but encountered difficulties in his last run after losing a shoe. Trainer Dylan Cunha is hoping for a better performance before possibly testing him on dirt next week. Also in the mix are MAGNUM OPUS and FOLK FESTIVAL, who were separated by just half a length in their previous meeting over 1800 metres. Jockey Bernardo Pinheiro remains confident in FOLK FESTIVAL’s ability despite an outside draw.
The Azizi Venice Handicap, run over 1600 metres on dirt, features a mix of battle-hardened campaigners and emerging contenders. Among the veterans are MILITARY LAW, EVERFAST and FIRST CONSTITUTION, while Costa saddles SALEYMM, who is stepping up to a mile on dirt after a fourth-place effort on turf.
Spanish champion trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta brings a strong team to the Azizi Riviera Handicap, the concluding race of the evening. His runners include EL BOSNIA, who showed promise in his last start, and SKY HAWK, who has dropped in the handicap and is expected to improve. Costa also has a contender in MATLOOB, who has been on the verge of a breakthrough and should benefit from the step up to 1200 metres.
Arabian racing enthusiasts will be keenly watching the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayyah, where a berth in the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic is on the line. Multiple UAE Champion Trainer Ernst Oertel saddles AF GHAYYAR and AF LAYTH, both of whom are progressing well, though the wide draw poses a challenge for AF GHAYYAR. The second race of the card, the Azizi Creek Views, could serve as a stepping stone to the UAE Derby, with MOON BLADE and POET ORTEN among the 16 runners looking to enhance their credentials.
With competitive fields across the eight-race program, Friday’s action at Meydan promises plenty of drama as connections chase both immediate glory and future opportunities on racing’s biggest stages.
