On a night that delivered high-stakes rematches, dominant performances, and breakthrough victories, the penultimate meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse lived up to its billing. The feature race of the evening, the Group 3 Ras Al Khor (sponsored by Azizi), saw MARBAAN confirm his superiority over old rival MYSTERIOUS NIGHT in their fifth career clash. Having edged out the Godolphin contender in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort earlier in the season, MARBAAN once again proved too strong, dictating terms under a confident ride from Ray Dawson. While MYSTERIOUS NIGHT was expected to turn the tables this time, William Buick found himself trapped on the inside rail at a crucial moment, and though his mount finished strongly, the deficit was too much to overcome. The winning margin of just over two lengths underscored MARBAAN’s authority as he stamped himself as a serious contender for Dubai World Cup night, should connections opt for that path.
Buick, however, found redemption earlier in the evening with ROYAL FAVOUR, who announced himself as a potential UAE Derby candidate with a commanding eight-length victory in the Azizi Creek Views Conditions Stakes over 1900 metres. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained runner was allowed to settle before being unleashed in the stretch, where he powered past his rivals with ease. Having bounced back from a slightly disappointing previous effort, ROYAL FAVOUR now appears poised for bigger assignments.
The Crisfords enjoyed further success in the Azizi Mina Handicap when PEN PORTRAIT produced a decisive turn of foot to claim his first Dubai Carnival victory. Sharjah form translated well to Meydan as the four-year-old tracked a fast pace before asserting himself in the straight, reeling in leader ACTION POINT and prevailing by just over a length. Jockey Danny Tudhope, riding PEN PORTRAIT for the first time, praised the gelding’s professionalism and versatility, suggesting that the extended trip suited him perfectly.
Among the night’s most popular winners was SILVER SWORD, who handed UK-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha his first-ever Dubai Carnival success in the Burj Azizi Handicap over 1600 metres. The grey, sporting the famed ‘Secretariat’ silks, had been knocking on the door all season and finally got his moment, flying home under Ray Dawson to deny three last-start winners in a thrilling finish. A well-timed ride from Dawson ensured that SILVER SWORD overcame an unfavorable early position, rewarding the persistence of his connections.
Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta secured his second Dubai Carnival win when EL BOSNIA stormed home in the Azizi Riviera Handicap over 1200 metres. The eight-year-old, who thrives on coming from off the pace, benefited from strong early fractions and swept past the field late to claim victory over the well-fancied MATLOOB. Jockey Vaclav Janacek hailed the triumph as a proud moment for Spanish breeding, as EL BOSNIA demonstrated his ability to compete internationally.
A switch to dirt proved no obstacle for CAMDEN, who delivered a resounding win in the Azizi Creek Views Handicap. Despite boasting an entirely turf-oriented pedigree, the Bhupat Seemar-trained runner adapted seamlessly to the surface, stalking the pace before taking command in the stretch. Tadhg O’Shea guided him home with confidence, securing an easy two-and-a-half-length victory. With aspirations for the Godolphin Mile in mind, CAMDEN’s connections will now weigh their next move carefully.
The evening also saw a return to winning form for COSMIC DESERT, who capitalized on a well-judged ride by Connor Beasley in the Azizi Wasl Handicap over 1800 metres on turf. The Ahmad Bin Harmash-trained runner settled well behind early leader POSTER PAINT before asserting himself in the straight, staying on strongly to fend off SENSE OF WISDOM. Beasley, chasing his first jockeys’ championship, praised COSMIC DESERT’s adaptability, noting that the switch back to turf had revitalized him.
The card opened with a dominant display from DJAFAR, who relished the return to turf to land the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayyah (sponsored by Azizi) for Purebred Arabians. With European Group 1 experience to his name, the Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained eight-year-old was given a patient ride by Silvestre de Sousa, who unleashed him at the right moment to collar pacesetter AL LAITH. DJAFAR’s effortless acceleration in the closing stages reaffirmed his class and hinted at bigger targets ahead.
With just one more meeting remaining in the Dubai Racing Carnival on March 14, all eyes will soon turn to the grand finale, the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5. After a night filled with standout performances, several contenders from this card may yet have their say on the biggest stage of all.
