Part of the early pace discussion, the near-black colt was keen and tugging as he tracked Wirko (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) down the backstretch. Buick finally had him relaxed next to Goemon (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), and that duo moved up to challenge Wirko on the far turn. Those two went on with it with 550 metres to travel, with Measured Time edging ahead before storming home a 3 1/4-length victor. Erzindjan (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) closed up the inside to run second, 3/4 of a length ahead of Godolphin's Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

“He's a horse full of promise and it's great to have a winner here on the first night,” said Buick. “Today was a new test for him; first time away from England; first time at Meydan. I still think he's a horse full of potential.”

Flawless in his first three starts for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin at Kempton in February and August, and at Newmarket on Aug. 25, Measured Time lost his unbeaten tag with a second-place finish in the Listed Floodlit S. back on the Kempton all-weather on Nov. 6.

Pedigree Notes

Measured Time became the 135th stakes winner and 92nd group winner for his Juddmonte sire with his score on Friday. Other Frankels to excel in the desert include G1 Jebel Hatta winner Dream Castle (GB), who also won the Al Rashidiya; and With The Moonlight (Ire).

The much-missed Street Cry (Ire)'s daughters have foaled 150 stakes winners to date, with this colt his 83rd Pattern race winner. His Minidress (GB), second in the Listed Height Of Fashion S., is the dam of UAE top-notcher Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin, and G1 Preis von Europa; and the stakes-placed Petticoat (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Her latest is a weanling colt by Dubawi (Ire).

A grandson of G3 Musidora S. and G3 St. Simon S. victress and G1 Oaks placegetter Short Skirt (GB) (Diktat {GB}), Measured Time is also kin to Group 1 winners Asakusa Den'En (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and Victoire Pisa (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), as well as their dam, the multiple graded winner Whitewater Affair (GB) (Machiavellian), who was second in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and third in the G1 Irish St Leger. Young sire Cappella Sansevero (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), a winner of the G3 Round Tower S. and third in the G1 Phoenix S., is also part of this clan.

Friday, Meydan, Middle East
AL RASHIDIYA-G2, AED850,000, Meydan, 12-22, NH3yo/up & SH3yo/up, 1800mT, 1:46.97, gd.
1–MEASURED TIME (GB), 123, c, 3, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Minidress (GB), by Street Cry (Ire)
2nd Dam: Short Skirt (GB), by Diktat (GB)
3rd Dam: Much Too Risky (GB), by Bustino (GB)
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin (GB);
T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. AED510,000. Lifetime
Record: 5-4-1-0, AED916,430. *1/2 to Rebel's Romance (Ire)
(Dubawi {Ire}), Hwt. 3yo-UAE at 9 1/2-11f, GSW-Eng & UAE,
GISW-US, MG1SW-UAE, $3,060,232; and Petticoat (GB) (Cape
Cross {Ire}), S)-Ire. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Erzindjan (Ire), 126, g, 5, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Eshera (Ire), by
Oratorio (Ire). (€160,000 HRA '21 GOFNOV). O-Mohammed
Ahmad Ali Al Subousi; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (IRE);
T-Ahmad bin Harmash. AED170,000.
3–Ottoman Fleet (GB), 128, g, 4, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Innevera
(Fr), by Motivator (GB). (€290,000 Wlg '19 ARQDEC;
425,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT). O-Godolphin; B-SCEA Marmion
Vauville & Alain Jathiere (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. AED85,000.
Margins: 3 1/4, 3/4, 2.
Also Ran: Alfareeq (Ire), Real World (Ire), Goemon (GB), Laneqash (GB), Highland Avenue (Ire), Maydanny (Ire), Marshall Plan (GB), Wirko (Ger). Click for the ERA chart & video.

Boom!

Measured Time dominates the Group Two Al Rashidiya @Godolphin have now won this race EIGHT times on the spin

2023: Valiant Prince
2222: Desert Fire
2021: Zakouski
2020: Barney Roy
2019: Dream Castle
2018: Benbatl
2017: Promising Run pic.twitter.com/HgJl5MUCXJ

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 22, 2023

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Returning to the scene of his 2023 G2 Godolphin Mile victory is Isolate (Mark Valeski), who will step out in the AED1-million G2 Al Maktoum Mile for trainer Doug Watson. Tyler Gaffalione will fly in for the race from the States.

“That was a great day and he's moving better this year than he did last year,” said trainer Doug Watson, who also runs Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), winner of this race in 2022. “They do a nice job out at Sheikh Rashid [Bin Humaid, owner]'s farm and he had a good summer off and came back looking a million dollars.

“We've worked him a few times over at Meydan–he loves going over there. There might be Saudi [Cup meeting] plans but we'll see how he runs here first.”

Royal Mews (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is one of nine rivals signed on, and he will be ridden by Tadhg O'Shea.

“We're really looking forward to having Royal Mews back,” said Ryan Tongue, Racing Manager for owners Deva Racing of the three-time winner. “Isolate is the one to beat, but Tadhg O'Shea worked Royal Mews last week in blinkers for the first time and apparently he worked very well.”

Already in action this season is Road Bloc (Street Sense), who was third in a 1200-metre race at Sharjah on Nov. 26.

“He needed his first run and he's working very well at home,” said owner Sayed Hashish. “The draw is not ideal but we believe he will appreciate the distance.”

Godolphin & Shadwell Out In Force In Al Rashidiya

Seven of the 11 entrants of the G2 Al Rashidiya will bear either the royal blue of Godolphin or the blue with white epaulettes of Shadwell. Charlie Appleby sends out Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), and he is gunning for his fourth title in five years in the 1800-metre grass affair.

Not to be outdone, is fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who is already a six-time winner of this race. His Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a multiple group winner who was placed twice at Group 1 level last year, will break from stall seven.

G1 Jebel Hatta hero Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is one of three in the race for Shadwell, and holds pride of place, as he is the chosen mount of retained jockey Jim Crowley. The duo will leave from stall two.

Friday's Supporting Card High On Class

A trio of listed races anchor the supporting card, among them the AED500,000 Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash over the minimum trip of 1000 metres on grass. The youthful Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2022, squares off with desert veterans Equilateral (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), and Miqyaas (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Johnny Murtagh sends the progressive 4-year-old filly Ladies Church (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) into the fray, as well. She ran second ot Miqyaas in the G2 Blue Point Sprint in February.

“Miqyaas is doing well,” said Abo Bakr El Hefnawy, assistant trainer to Rashed Bouresly. “He raced once on dirt to be ready for this race.”

This season's G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) makes his return on Friday in the 1400-metre Listed Business Bay Challenge on grass. His task is not the easiest, as among his 15 foes is GI Summer S. victor Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby.

Rounding out the listed races is the Entisar S., conducted over 1900m on dirt. Bhupat Seemar saddles a pair of horses, including Western Symphony (Ire) (Shamardal) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“Godolphin thought Walk Of Stars was good enough to run in the Epsom Derby as a 3-year-old so he is a very exciting horse to have,” said Seemar. “We're going to experiment with Western Symphony and try him over the 1900m. His pedigree suggests he has a chance of getting in, albeit he is a Shamardal, because there is a lot of stamina on the dam side.”

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The pulse intensifies week-to-week at Meydan Racecourse, as it's almost a fortnight into the Dubai World Cup Carnival. A seven-race card this Friday sports the 1800-metre G2 Al Rashidiya Presented By Azizi, and a well-matched field of 11 will vie for group honours over the Meydan turf.

That distance might be a touch long for Godolphin-bred, Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). He is poised to make a splash in what is his 7-year-old debut for trainer Saeed bin Suroor as he points towards what could be his third consecutive appearance in the G1 Sheema Classic come March. It should be noted that he bested stablemate Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), who also reappears here, in the G3 Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir Racecourse on Nov. 18.

“He [Dubai Future] hasn't had a run for two months but he's been back in full training a while now, he's working well and I'm happy with him,” said Bin Suroor. “The Bahrain Trophy was obviously a good result and this is the best race for him before World Cup night.

“We will see how he runs here before deciding where he ends up. He's a tough horse, a fighter, and we'll just have to see how he runs before the World Cup meeting.

“Passion And Glory has also been training well since Dubai and I expect him to run well as well.”

As expected, more royal blue will be present in the form of a pair of lightly-raced Charlie Appleby runners–namely, Newmarket listed hero Ottoman Fleet (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Valiant Prince (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The former gained valuable experience when fourth in the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot last summer, and he was also runner-up two starts later in the G3 Darley S. at HQ. The latter won a pair of handicaps over the winter at Meydan in 2022, and earned a career-best black-type score in the Listed Ganton S. at York in June. This old fashioned 'horse-for-the-course' angle from his winter exploits could offer a clue as to what is expected from this sharp-looking  5-year-old gelding.

One other runner that warrants a look is the Doug Watson-trained San Donato (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). An ultra-consistent performer against listed-types, this 7-year-old competed more often as a miler for Roger Varian's barn. Gelded last April, he came to his new outfit and won a listed tune-up by two lengths at Abu Dhabi on Dec. 4.

Classic Pointer On The Undercard

Besides the stakes action later on in the evening, race three is the purview of colts with potential Classic aspirations, with an octet signed on for the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Presented By Azizi over 1400 metres on the main track. The most accomplished runners in this conditions heat hail from South America, with the three-for-four Loreley (Brz) (Kentuckian) amply supported by fellow dual listed winner Es-Unico (Brz) (War Secretary), and Group 3 victor Eye On The Prize (Arg) (Il Campione {Chi}).

Godolphin also holds a strong hand in the Ipi Tombe S. Presented By Azizi, as a quartet of runners represent bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby, split two apiece. 2021 Listed UAE 1000 Guineas heroine Soft Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) squares off with stablemate White Moonlight (Medaglia d'Oro). Appleby's duo of Grade I winner Wild Beauty (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Light Of Peace (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) also step out in this conditions heat over 1400 metres on the Meydan lawn.

“Soft Whisper is working well and likes it in Dubai, I'm really happy with her, she worked really well last week,” said bin Suroor. “She's in the right race over the right trip [seven furlongs], so we'll see how she goes.

“White Moonlight had three years off but she still shows me something on a morning, the problem is she is unsound.

“Every time she got close to a run she'd get another problem. I've given her lots of time, but I know she still has class. She's better than she showed last time. What I see on the morning is very good. We just thought we'd give her a chance out here in Dubai before deciding on her future.”

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Godolphin fields a typically strong hand in the 1800-metre G2 Al Rashidiya Presented By Riviera Beachfront By Azizi on grass, which is an early pointer to the G1 Dubai Turf at the end of March. Aiming for a sixth consecutive renewal, the royal blue silks will be carried by a quintet from trainers-Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor. Appleby's listed winner Art du Val (GB) (No Nay Never) has been rubbing shoulders near the top table in his last three starts. Fourth in the G2 Singspiel S. last January, he added a third in the Feb. 18 G2 Zabeel Mile and in his latest outing ran a solid fourth to the re-opposing Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) in the G1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday. Stablemate and listed winner Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), will be making his first start since a gelding operation in the autumn, as will the four-for-five Royal Fleet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“Art Du Val proved a consistent horse in Dubai last year and we gave him the summer off with another season at the Carnival in mind,” said Appleby. “He goes into this race in good order and will be very competitive if he brings his 'A-game.”

Last year's G3 Dubai Millennium S. second Bedouin's Story (GB) (Farhh {GB}) ran second in his most recent outing–the Oct. 9 G3 Darley S. after dwelling at the start.

Bin Suroor said, “He has been doing well out in Dubai and this looks like a good starting point for him this year.”

Charismatic grey battler Lord Glitters appears ageless, and his Jebel Hatta victory was accomplished at the age of eight. Now nine, the Geoff and Sandra Turnbull silksbearer scored a win in the G3 Bahrain International Trophy in late November for trainer David O'Meara.

The trainer said, “He's in good form and has obviously had a good winter so far after winning over in Bahrain. He seemed to get on very well in Dubai last year. He won the Singspiel and was third in this race under a penalty and then won the Jebel Hatta. Hopefully he can do something similar this year.”

Storming the 'Fort'ress

The 1400-metre G2 Al Fahidi Fort Presented By Mina By Azizi, also takes place on the grass. Saeed bin Suroor saddles the 2021 scorer, Land Of Legends (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), who ran out a handy winner exactly a year ago. Only fifth in the 1351 Turf Sprint on Feb. 20, the gelding has been benched since another fifth-place run in the G1 Dubai Turf on Mar. 27. The three-for-four Storm Damage (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) enters this test on the back of consecutive Newmarket wins in July and August.

“Land Of Legends has been improving with every piece of work,” said bin Suroor. “He won this race on his first start of the year last season and we are hoping for another good effort. Storm Damage ran well in the UK last season and I have been pleased with him in Dubai.”

Charlie Appleby's listed winner Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was fourth in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas on May 1 and just failed to last in the G3 Jersey S. at Royal Ascot on June 19. The colt is aiming to improve off of an eighth-place finish in the July 11 G1 Prix Jean Prat. He is joined by the group placed La Barrosa (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who was gelded prior to running third in a Meydan conditions race on Jan. 7.

Appleby said, “Naval Crown showed good, solid form as a 3-year-old and has enjoyed a nice break ahead of the Carnival. He looks great and will obviously be very competitive if he runs up to his best form.”

Septet Signed on For Dubawi S.

The Doug Watson-trained duo of Group 3 winners Canvassed (Ire) (Shamardal) and Al Tariq (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) loom large in the G3 Dubawi S. sprinting 1200 metres over the Meydan main track. Victorious in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal last March, Canvassed returned on Dubai World Cup night to take third after making a late run in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. His stablemate was first past the post in the Feb. 18 G3 Al Shindagha Sprint over this track and trip and, after running sixth in the Golden Shaheen, already sports a win this season. He eked out a win in a conditions race at Jebel Ali on Nov. 26.

Watson commented, “They're both in really good form. Obviously, Al Tariq has run already this year and Canvassed is having his first start since World Cup night, but has gotten stronger overall.”

Bhupat Seemar's Freedom Fighter (Violence) makes his desert debut on Friday. The 4-year-old was second in the GII San Vicente S. at Santa Anita last term and was most recently fifth in an allowance optional claimer at Del Mar on July 17.

UAE Classic Pointers

The 1400-metre UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Presented by Al Furjan By Azizi marks the 3-year-old return of Grade I victor Albahr (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Gelded after winning a Haydock novice last June, he rattled off another Haydock win in July and battled his way to a score in the Listed Stonehenge S. a month later. The Charlie Appleby-trained 3-year-old triumphed in the GI Summer S. at Woodbine on Sept. 19, but was scratched at the gate of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in November.

It will not necessarily be a cakewalk for Albahr, as he faces the unbeaten winners Kiefer (Brz) (Drosselmeyer), who is three-for-three in Uruguay including at the listed level, and the once-raced Mujeer (Violence), who won at Meydan on Dec. 2.

Second in the lineup on Friday is the Jumeirah Derby Trial Presented By Park Avenue By Azizi. Conducted over 1800 metres on turf, this new race attracted Listed Silver Tankard S. winner Mr Professor (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), the stable star of trainer Alice Haynes. Since that victory, the 3-year-old gelding finished with interest to take third when debuting at Meydan just seven days ago on Jan. 14, one spot behind Sed Maarib (American Pharoah). A trio of Godolphin winners are also slated to take part–Nader (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Island Falcon (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and New Kingdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Click here to view the group fields.

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Covered up in the garden spot a few lengths off the pace set by Court House (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}), Zakouski enjoyed a dream trip while saving ground. Shaken up leaving the bend, the Godolphin colourbearer swung off the fence and tackled Court House just under a furlong from home. He clawed his way past that stubborn foe and went on to win by 3/4 of a length. Noticeably warm in the preliminaries, the grey Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) made a stirring late run and just missed second by a nose.

“I always thought the race was set up nicely for him,” said William Buick, who was winning his third race on the card in tandem with trainer Charlie Appleby, having taken the second with Star Safari (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and the third with Secret Protector. “The pace was nice and even, he did well, he really knuckled down and showed a lot of good qualities. This flat track and nine furlongs really suited him well.”

Added Appleby, “We felt this race would be run with a bit more of a sensible pace and William got a lovely ride here today. We have stepped up in trip for the horse, so we will look at Jebel Hatta for him on Super Saturday.”

A novice winner at first asking at Kempton in November of 2018, the bay resurfaced after a lengthy break to take fifth in the G3 Craven S. in April of 2019. Gelded, Zakouski returned 267 days later and scored in a Meydan handicap last January, before adding a neck victory in the G2 Zabeel Mile on Feb. 20. Given another 200-plus day absence, the now 5-year-old gelding returned to be fourth in Newmarket's G2 Challenge S. on Oct. 9, and won the Listed Marshal S. there on Halloween. Trainer Charlie Appleby transferred Zakouski back to the desert and he ran second to rival Lord Glitters in the G2 Singspiel S. on Jan. 21.

Pedigree Notes

The late Shamardal has left 151 black-type winners so far, and Zakouski is one of 77 group winners for the former Darley sire.

One of three group winners out of his dam, Zakouski (GB) is a half-brother to Australian Group 3 winner and G1 Golden Rose S. runner-up and sire Albrecht (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), as well as King's Command (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner of the G3 Prix Thomas Bryon.

Zakouski's female family is one of the best in Australasia, as his dam is a full-sister to Australian Horse of the Year Lonhro (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}), as well as MG1SW Niello (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}) and MSW Shannara (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}). New Zealand champion 3-year-old and G1 NZ 2000 Guineas hero Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is also in the extended family.

Thursday, Meydan, Dubai
AL RASHIDIYA SPONSORED BY EMIRATES.COM-G2, $163,000, Meydan, 2-11, 3yo/up, 9fT, 1:48.39, gd.
1—ZAKOUSKI (GB), 126, g, 5, by Shamardal
1st Dam: O'Giselle (Aus), by Octagonal (NZ)
2nd Dam: Shadea (NZ), by Straight Strike
                3rd Dam: Concia (NZ), by First Consul
O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick.
$97,800. Lifetime Record: SW-Eng, 8-5-1-0, $396,292. *1/2 to
Albrecht (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), GSW & G1SP-Aus,
$454,634; and King's Command (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), GSW-Fr.
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A.
2–Court House (Ire), 126, g, 6, Dawn Approach (Ire)–Crossanza
(Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire). (€38,000 RNA Wlg '15 GOFNOV;
€200,000 Ylg '16 GOFORB). O-Rabbah Racing; B-Nanallac Stud
(IRE); T-Simon Crisford. $32,600.
3–Lord Glitters (Fr), 129, g, 8, Whipper–Lady Glitters (Fr), by
Homme de Loi (Ire). (€25,000 Ylg '14 AR14; €270,000 HRA '17
ARJUN). O-Geoff & Sandra Turnbull; B-SCA Elevage de
Tourgeville & Mme Hilary Erculiani (FR); T-David O'Meara.
$16,300.
Margins: 3/4, NO, 6.
Also Ran: Bless Him (Ire), Cap Francais (GB), Kinross (GB), Dream Castle (GB). Click for the Racing Post chart or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.

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“He has been pleasing in his work and works nicely enough on the dirt,” said Gosden. “Obviously, a race is a different matter, so we will find out if he handles it Thursday.”

Thegreatcollection (Saint Anddan) rounded out 2020 with a comfortable victory in Meydan's Listed Dubai Creek Mile Dec. 17 and returned in the new year with a runner-up finish in the Jan. 21 G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1. Trained by Doug Watson, the Zaur Sekrekov-owned gelding reunites with Pat Cosgrave.

“We have been keen to step him up from 1600 meters, so this is the ideal opportunity,” Watson said. “Obviously, it is a good race to stretch him out. I think it will suit him, but it is a strong race.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's Blown By Wind (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), conditioned by Salem bin Ghadayer, returned from a 3 1/2-month respite to finish third in a Meydan handicap over a mile Jan. 7 and took a step forward off of that to win his latest, the G3 Jebel Ali Mile Jan. 22. The trainer is also represented by Group 3 scorer Capezzano (Bernardini) and listed winner Firnas (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Bin Ghadayer said, “Blown By Wind delighted us at Jebel Ali and has been working well since. Capezzano is also going nicely at home, we just need him to transfer that back to the course.”

He added, “Firnas too is in good shape. He is tough and consistent.”

Also on Thursday's card at Meydan, Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) attempts to follow up on a confident win last time out in the Jan. 21 G2 Singspiel S. in the G2 Al Rashidiya over this course and distance. The winner of the 2019 renewal of the G1 Queen Anne S. finished third in a pair of group tests at York last summer before finishing runner up behind multiple Group 1 winning Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) in Ayr's Listed Doonside Cup S. in September. He concluded the season with a pair of off the board finishes, including a sixth in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot in October.

“That was brilliant in the Singspiel; to travel an 8-year-old and win a big prize was just great,” said trainer David O'Meara. “The penalty does not help, but he has remained in great form.”

Godolphin's Zakouski (GB) (Shamardal) annexed the G2 Zabeel Mile over this turf course one year ago before spending much of the ensuing season on the sidelines. Fourth in his return to action in the G2 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Challenge S. at Newmarket Oct. 9, the 5-year-old bounced back to take that course's Listed Ben Marshall S. Oct. 30. This season, he was second behind Lord Glitters in last month's Singspiel and William Buick will try to have the gelding to top the early favorite this time.

“We were obviously pleased with Zakouski's first outing of the year in the Singspiel S., when he produced a good effort,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “He has come on for that run and a slightly improved performance should put him bang there.”

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