The Dubai Racing Carnival reaches an early-season peak on Friday, 5th December, as Meydan presents a seven-race card highlighted by the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint. The feature brings together Dark Saffron and Mufasa in a clash that has quickly become the talking point of the week, adding real momentum to a meeting already stacked with quality.
Dark Saffron, shock winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in March, will follow up with a Conditions race victory from last month over the same sprint distance. “He’s doing good, he’s been training very well,” said bin Harmash. “The only question mark is carrying the top weight against older horses, as he is only three-years old. But Dark Saffron is Dark Saffron – I think he will run a good race.” Connor Beasley will retain the ride.
Mufasa, a three-time Grade 3 winner, will make his six-furlong debut locally after finishing sixth in the G2 Godolphin Mile. “We’re very excited to start him over six furlongs,” said Abdulla Muammer, Racing Manager to RRR Racing. “He’s shown a lot of speed in his work and we feel this is the right spot for him.”
Colour Up, last year’s winner of this race, will also line up, with owner Sayed Hashish optimistic despite the inside draw. “He’s seven years old now but, touch wood, he’s the strongest we’ve seen. I think the small field will suit him, but the inside draw probably isn’t optimum as he’s a horse that stalks usually and doesn’t lead. This is a big race.”
The supporting races will promise equally compelling action. The 1400-metre Ford Handicap will feature British raider Gorak, returning to Meydan for the first time since 2022 under trainer Charlie Fellowes. “It’s lovely to be back. I’ve got no idea whether Gorak will handle the dirt, but he’s electric out of the gates, has a very high cruising speed and just keeps on going,” said Fellowes. Deva Racing’s Destructive will also run, now under Bhupat Seemar and ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, with hopes high following strong preparations at Zabeel Stables.
Race four, the 1600-metre Ford Mach-E Handicap, will see last-out winners Itsatenfromlen, Norato, and Gray Boss among the 13-horse field. Trainer Doug Watson is bullish on Itsatenfromlen, citing his progressive nature and solid work on Meydan’s dirt track. British newcomer Silver Sword will also attempt the dirt for the first time, with jockey Ray Dawson aiming to draw on his familiarity with the horse.
The two-year-old Lincoln Maiden over 1400 metres will promise debut drama, with Lino Padrino leading the line for Suited & Booted in partnership with My Future Champions Racing. Czech jockey Sabina Mokrosova will make her first professional ride at Meydan aboard Lady Garfield, hoping to translate her European experience into success on Dubai’s fast surface.
Other notable contests will include the Fort Mustang Handicap over 1200 metres, topped by Road Bloc, and the Lincoln Navigator Handicap over 2000 metres, featuring Silent Age, a Dubawi out of a Frankel mare, with high expectations from owner Sayed Hashish.
With seven competitive races on the card, the third Dubai Racing Carnival day will promise a mixture of youthful talent, seasoned performers, and international contenders, ensuring Meydan remains a magnet for top-tier racing excitement.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.
