There are certain nights at Meydan when the Carnival begins to feel serious, when every stride carries consequences beyond the floodlit straight. Friday is one of those evenings — a programme shaped by ambition, with Classic dreams and Dubai World Cup aspirations quietly hanging in the balance. At the heart of the card sits the Group 2 Balanchine Stakes over 1800 metres on turf, a contest that has long served as a springboard to bigger prizes.
Balanchine Stakes Tops the Meydan Racecard Preview
Godolphin hold a powerful hand in the Balanchine, fielding three of the seven runners, headed by Dubai Beach. She arrives with solid credentials, having accounted for three of these rivals in the Group 2 Cape Verdi over a mile five weeks ago. Among those reopposing is her stablemate Dubai Treasure, who finished third that day. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, a four-time winner of the race, is mindful of the step up in trip.
“Dubai Beach and Dubai Treasure came out of the Cape Verdi in good shape and have been working well,” he said. “It is a slightly different field compared to last time, and nine furlongs will be a new experience for both of my fillies. I am hoping that they can get nice and relaxed in the race again, which will give them the best chance of getting the trip.”
Charlie Appleby, who has claimed this prize five times, introduces Blue Nazare, an impressive debut scorer at Great Yarmouth in October. “Blue Nazare was impressive on her only start to date,” he said. “She took her time to acclimatise to conditions out in Dubai but has come into herself recently. I don’t foresee any issues with the step up in trip, although she is taking on some good fillies who have already run this winter.”
Three-Year-Olds Chase Kentucky Derby Points
Elsewhere on the Meydan card, race seven — the Listed Road to the Kentucky Derby — carries qualifying points for the first time, with 20 awarded to the winner. Bhupat Seemar, who experienced Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May with Summer Is Tomorrow in 2022, saddles five runners, including Salloom. The colt made amends for a frustrating withdrawal on intended debut with a smooth victory over 1600 metres three weeks ago.
“Salloom is doing great and I think he came out of the last race really well,” Seemar said. “He’s ready to go again and take his chance, but I hope he behaves in the gate – that’s the biggest thing.” Two European challengers add further intrigue to the 13-runner field, including Knight Of Glory from the yard of David Menuisier. Sixth behind subsequent UAE 2000 Guineas winner Six Speed in January, he is expected to appreciate this longer test.
“He’s been doing a lot of stalls work and has been absolutely grand,” Menuisier noted. “The trip will definitely suit him and I think he has a lot more to offer if he behaves himself.” The Group 3 UAE Oaks, offering qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks, features a field of seven. Labwah, Tjareed, Dozalla and Yuno — first to fourth in the Cocoa Beach Stakes — renew rivalry. “Labwah is super, there are only positives between her last run and Friday,” said Salem bin Ghadayer. “She has a nice draw and I’m confident the extra 300 metres will be a plus.”
Sunway Seeks Staying Glory
The Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy over 2810 metres presents a searching stamina test. Last year’s winner progressed to Dubai Gold Cup success, and this season’s renewal has depth once more. Sunway, victorious in the Al Khail Trophy over course and distance in January, arrives in peak condition. “Sunway seems in really good form,” said Menuisier. “We’ll see how the race pans out but I would expect a good run.”
Among his rivals is Surabad, lightly raced in the UAE after arriving from France. “I think he will be better over this distance than in his last race,” bin Ghadayer observed. Godolphin attempt to extend a remarkable sequence of nine consecutive wins in this contest, with By The Book stepping up in trip after a mile-and-a-quarter effort last time.
The supporting handicaps are competitive. The DEEPAL S07 Handicap over 1000 metres could suit the speedy Miss Yechance, reverting to her preferred distance after being caught close home over 1400 metres. “She has continued training well… just maintenance work, to have her fresh and happy,” explained co-trainer Julio Olascoaga.
Subito, a maiden winner at Churchill Downs, makes his local debut for Seemar in the same race, while the Touch The Future Handicap over 1900 metres sees Norway-based Niels Petersen’s War Socks seeking a breakthrough after six placed efforts. Racing begins at 5.30pm UAE time with a 1400-metre maiden featuring 12 runners. As this Meydan Racecard Preview underlines, Friday’s card is more than a routine Carnival fixture — it is a stepping stone to the sport’s grandest stages.
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