The Dubai Racing Carnival gathers momentum at Meydan Racecourse on Friday the 21st February, with four Pattern races expected to reveal key contenders for next month’s Dubai World Cup meeting.
The night’s highlight is the G2 Balanchine Stakes (presented by DP World), where CINDERELLA’S DREAM will aim to extend Charlie Appleby’s remarkable six-year winning streak in the race. William Buick partners the filly, who impressed at Meydan last season with two victories, including a memorable win without stirrups, before going on to Grade I success in the Belmont Oaks and a runner-up finish in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
“We gave CINDERELLA’S DREAM a little break after the Breeders’ Cup, and she looks fresh and well,” said Appleby. “This will be her only start in Dubai before we look to North America for the summer. She isn’t finely tuned yet, as this marks the start of a long campaign, but her preparation has gone well, and she looks a worthy favourite.”
CHOISYA, who recently won the G2 Cape Verdi over a shorter distance, appears to be the main threat. “We’re really pleased with the way CHOISYA has been training here in Dubai,” said co-trainer Ed Crisford. “She won the Cape Verdi in good style, and if she can progress again, she’ll be very competitive.” The international field also includes Scandinavian challengers EASYWITHME and ULTIMA, alongside the UK-trained ZIGGY’S DREAM.
The G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (presented by DP World) offers automatic qualification for the G2 Dubai Gold Cup via the Dubai World Cup Bonus Scheme. The six-runner field includes five horses who contested the Listed Al Khail Trophy on January 24. KEFFAAF narrowly prevailed that day, holding off KING OF CONQUEST by a neck. Trainer Michael Costa is confident of another strong showing. “We are very happy with KEFFAAF. He worked well on Sunday and seems to have improved again from his last run.”
Appleby, who saddles KING OF CONQUEST, added: “KING OF CONQUEST has been very consistent this season and produced another strong effort in the Al Khail Trophy. He takes his racing well and should be competitive again.” Meanwhile, Saeed bin Suroor runs DUBAI FUTURE, a nine-year-old veteran with three Meydan victories, making his first start in 14 months. “DUBAI FUTURE has been working well,” said bin Suroor. “He’s enjoyed success at Meydan before, and I’m hoping for another good run.”
In the G3 UAE Oaks (presented by DP World), Norwegian-trained QUEEN AZTECA aims to secure a starting berth at Churchill Downs by earning 50 ‘Road to the Kentucky Oaks’ points. Having beaten six of Friday’s rivals in the Cocoa Beach Stakes, she is expected to relish the step up to 1900 metres. Trainer Niels Petersen is optimistic: “QUEEN AZTECA has come on for the race and will benefit from the longer distance. The opposition is largely the same, so we’re optimistic, but most importantly, she looks to be improving with every run.” French contender MISTYSEA, who finished fifth in the Cocoa Beach Stakes, is expected to show improvement after adapting to dirt. “She recovered well and took her last race quite easily,” said Marine Henry, assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery. “Now that we know she can handle dirt, we expect a good run.”
The Listed Al Bastakiya serves as a trial for the G2 UAE Derby over 1900 metres on dirt. HEART OF HONOR, whose only defeat in three Meydan starts came when second in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, is expected to be a leading contender. Trainer Jamie Osborne is hopeful of a winning performance: “HEART OF HONOR has progressed well through the Carnival. He was arguably unlucky in the UAE Guineas, but I think he was beaten by a very good horse [GOLDEN VEKOMA] on that occasion. On all evidence, he should improve with the step up in trip. Stall one might not be ideal, but we’re still extremely hopeful that he’s the horse to beat.” Among the opposition is FAAL KHAIR, a three-time winner in Saudi Arabia, whose trainer Ahmed Atieg has opted for Meydan over the Saudi Derby.
Friday’s eight-race card, sponsored entirely by DP World, also includes four competitive handicaps. Racing begins at 5:30 pm and will be streamed live on Dubai Racing Club’s YouTube channel.
