Blue Point Sprint (G2)
1.010 m – 181.624 AED – for 3yo+
Meydan

Star Of Mystery (GB)
(3F Kodiac- Mistrusting , by Shamardal)
J : Mickael Barzalona
T :Charlie Appleby
O : @godolphin pic.twitter.com/bIVwToGtSN

— (@WorldRacing1) January 26, 2024

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Trainer Chad Summers knows the nooks and crannies of Meydan, having saddled Mind Your Biscuits (Posse) to victories in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2017 and again in 2018. With Dubai World Cup just a couple of months down the road, the horseman is back in the Emirates for Friday's newly upgraded G1 Al Maktoum Challenge-R2 and is in with a big chance in the form of RRR Racing's Clapton (Brethren).

The Florida-bred 5-year-old was acquired privately by these connections last summer and earned a spot in the field for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic with an 8-1 upset in the GIII Lukas Classic S. at Churchill Downs, where he had next-out GII Clark S. hero Trademark (Upstart) a head back in second. The latter races in Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. Ironically, Mind Your Biscuits was victorious in the Lukas Classic before finishing down the field in the Breeders' Cup, but Friday, Clapton will meet nothing of the quality of White Abarrio (Race Day) and Mind Your Biscuits's son Derma Sotogake (Jpn)–at least this time around. Antonio Fresu breezed Clapton in California prior to the Breeders' Cup and is in to ride Friday.

“We think that maybe he didn't like being on the inside,” Summers said, referring to the Classic. “He's such a big horse that we'd like him to really get into his rhythm and if we lose a little bit of ground, that's OK. We hope they'll go an honest-enough pace. We're adding blinkers for this, too.”

Kabirkhan (California Chrome) is very much the new kid on the block, and trainer Doug Watson wheels him back on two weeks' rest after the colt–eight for nine in Russia–was an extremely impressive winner of a 2000-metre handicap on Jan. 1.

“He was showing it at home, but he had to go over and prove it at the races, and I believe he did,” the conditioner said. “He's come out of that race in good shape. Ideally we wouldn't want to be running back in two weeks, but it's a million-dollar Group 1. I think he belongs in it, and whatever he does in it, we're looking forward to the third round and World Cup night.”

Atletico El Culano (Uru) (Alcorano {Brz}) was third to the G1 Saudi Cup-bound Isolate (Mark Valeski) at big odds in last year's G2 Godolphin Mile and prepped for this with a defeat of Military Law (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in a course-and-distance handicap Dec. 22. Third in that heat was Walk of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who can improve for that first experience on the dirt in this spot.

Mawj Aiming For Hat Trick Of Meydan Wins In Jebel Hatta

It is not every day a GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up surfaces in the G1 Jebel Hatta Presented by Longines over 1800 metres of pristine Meydan turf, but Godolphin's Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) will be doing just that in her 4-year-old bow. The diminutive filly, a winner of the G1 1000 Guineas and GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup in England and the U.S., respectively, is trained by Saeed bin Suroor. She was the slimmest of noses behind fellow Godolphin runner Master Of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Mile at Santa Anita last November.

“Mawj arrived in Dubai after the Breeders' Cup and had a bit of an easy time,” said bin Suroor, who last won this race in 2019 with Dream Castle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), and trained Mawj to a pair of 2023 conditions race wins over the Meydan lawn. “She's doing well and I'm happy with her. After this the plan is the [G1] Dubai Turf [on Dubai World Cup night at the end of March] and then we will take her back to Europe.”

Last-out G2 Zabeel Mile hero San Donato (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), from the yard of Doug Watson, is trying for his first top-tier victory, as is Zabeel Mile third El Patriota (Uru) (Ecologo {Arg}).

Julio Olascoaga, who trains the latter said, “He earned the chance to run this race after his good result last time out. The opposition cannot be stronger but we're confident he will continue to run big.”

G2 Bahrain Trophy winner Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), owned in part by Sir Alex Ferguson, is also part of the nine-strong field.

Trainer Richard Fahey said, “It's his first Group 1 and a tough race, a proper Group 1 and we're looking forward to seeing him run. Everything is going well and he's in great order.

“I'm afraid his owners can't make it this time which is a big shame because I know they were keen to come, but it's just fallen on the wrong day sadly. Sir Alex is used to winning, but he gets a good kick out of it, so let's hope he runs well again.”

An Eighth Al Fahidi Fort For Appleby?

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is gunning for his eighth 1400-metre G2 Al Fahidi Fort, and will saddle both Grade I winner Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and dual winner Majestic Pride (GB) (Shamardal) in the 12-horse field. Successful in the Summer S. in Canada as a juvenile, the 4-year-old won for the first time since with a four-length drubbing of his foes in a local handicap over this distance on Jan. 19 and is returning just one week later.

Already a winner of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) ran fifth to Kelina (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 1 going the Fort trip and makes his first start back on Friday.

“He's settled in really well to Dubai again,” said Marine Henry, wife and assistant to trainer Nicholas Caullery. “He's worked a few times on the racetrack and worked well. This isn't a main objective for him–we're not expecting him to win–but we're hoping to run well.”

Shadwell's Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) stunned the G1 Al Quoz Sprint field at 33-1 last March, and he was a narrow second to the re-opposing Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) in the Listed Business Bay Challenge warming up for this on Dec. 22.

House Eyeing Blue Point Sprint

Sailing into the 1000-metre G2 Blue Point Sprint Presented by Longines over the Meydan straight course on a two-race winning streak, Mehmas (Ire)'s Clarendon House (GB) will be attempting to negotiate the hike between handicap and stakes company.

“If he can transfer what he did on the all-weather to grass, then I think it will suit him very well,” said trainer Robert Cowell, who struck at the Carnival in 2012 with Monsieur Joe (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). “I think the fast ground and plenty of pace will be ideal, it's whether he's good enough to bridge this gap between handicaps and stakes races.”

Of his rivals, one of the strongest is Equality (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), who will be attempting softer company after taking the G3 Coral Charge S. in June for trainer Charlie Hills, but failing to hit the mark against several of the best sprinters in Europe later in the year.

“On ratings, he should be right up there, but it is his first run after a break and he's probably fit enough to do himself justice but whether he'll be quite 100% is another matter,” said Sam Hoskins, syndicate manager for owner Kennet Valley.

The lightly raced listed winner Star Of Mystery (GB), second in the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge S. during her six-start career, defeated GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint third Starlust (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) in a Meydan conditions race on Jan. 12. The Godolphin-owned daughter of Kodiac (GB) sneaks into the field carrying only 117 pounds and will leave from gate 11.

Like Father, Like Son In the Guineas?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa's Asiatic Boy (Arg) took out the 2007 G3 UAE 2000 Guineas in his second local appearance before going on to wallop his Northern Hemisphere counterparts in the G2 UAE Derby two starts later. Seventeen years on, his son Oasis Boy (Arg), a Group 2 winner at home when last spotted July 29 can make his presence felt in Friday's mile event at Meydan.

The other South American entrant is Quartier (Uru) (Matterhorn), who has the benefit of a spin around the racetrack on Jan. 5, when he ran on strongly after missing the kick to finish a good second to the well-regarded Ma Yetal (Flameaway), who sits this one out. Both South American-breds must give 10 pounds away to their less-mature rivals.

Killer Collect (Collected) makes his 3-year-old debut in the Guineas, having thrashed a field of maidens by 7 1/2 lengths over course and distance Dec. 8, while Military Artist (Munnings) races for the third time in four weeks, having most recently annexed a 1600-metre novice Jan. 12.

A Moat By Any Other Name

Friday's 1600-metre G3 Firebreak S. features 10 runners, and it is the progressive G3 Prix du Palais-Royal winner Fort Payne (Fr) (Rio De La Plata) who is one of the leading fancies. The Firebreak is not without its challenges, however, as it is his first start on dirt, and his first appearance at Meydan after a career in France.

“It's his first time on the dirt but he did well on the Polytrack at home,” said Marine Henry of the G3 Prix du Pin seventh, who is, like the aforementioned King Gold, trained by her husband Nicolas Caullery.

A veteran of the desert is Thegreatcollection (Saint Anddan), who secured a popular handicap victory at the ripe age of 10 over 1400 metres here on Jan. 12. Regular reinsman Adrie de Vries has the call, with the duo slotted midfield in gate six.

Al Shindagha River's For The Taking?

Bob Baffert has saddled Laurel River (Into Mischief) four times, with three wins to show from those Southern California efforts. However, the GII Pat O'Brien S. hero last graced a racecourse at Del Mar in August of 2022, and, despite joining the red-hot Bhupat Seemar barn in October, must overcome any ring-rustiness due to almost 17 months on the bench in Friday's G3 Al Shindagha Sprint.

“He is doing really well,” said Seemar of the Grade II winner. “This looks a good place to start him as he hasn't run for a while.”

The Juddmonte runner's task is not straightforward, with several rivals more battle-hardened in recent weeks. Chief among them is Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), who hails from the Doug Watson stable. The 2023 Listed Garhoud Sprint hero was an encouraging third in the G3 Dubawi S. on Jan. 5.

More Black-Type Glory For Siskany?

The evening's nightcap is the Listed Al Khail Trophy Presented by Longines over 2810 metres on grass, and Godolphin's trio is anchored by the well-traveled Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) for trainer Charlie Appleby. Second to Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup at the end of March, the gelding claimed the GII Belmont Gold Cup S. in the U.S. two starts later in June, and could not quite catch India (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) when third in the G1 Preis von Europa in September. He ran fifth as the favourite after being outfooted in the GII Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S. on the dirt at Santa Anita on Nov. 4 and is looking for redemption in Friday's contest.

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“Lazuli is tried and tested over five furlongs at Meydan and this is his optimum trip,” said Appleby. “He is in great form and, even with his draw in stall one, he has speed horses around him and looks the one to beat.

“Man Of Promise ran a good solid race over this distance in the Ertijaal Dubai Dash and seems to be taking his racing better these days.”

Shadwell's Kuzaam (Kitten's Joy), who won the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint by two lengths last February, is hoping to rebound off of a seventh-place run in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night.

“Khuzaam has taken a bit of time to come around, but is really well,” said trainer Doug Watson. “The long layoff is a worry but he's a really nice horse.”

G2 Sapphire S. heroine Ladies Church (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), the only filly in the field, could also be heard from in the Mark Dobbin silks. She was 17 of 19 in the G1 Flying Five S. over this distance at the Curragh on Sept. 11.

“She is in very good form, but like all our horses who travelled to Dubai this season, she will probably need her first run of the year,” said trainer Johnny Murtagh.

2021 victor Equilateral (GB) (Equiano {Fr}) is also signed on but has not won since taking that race for Mrs. Fitriani Hay and trainer Charlie Hills.

American-breds A Force Majeure In Guineas

The $150,000 G2 UAE 2000 Guineas run over 1600 metres on the main track sees nine American-bred colts and one Argentinean line up for one of the earliest Classics of the year.

No stranger to Meydan, trainer Doug O'Neill has sent the Calumet Farm-owned Tall Boy (Lookin At Lucky), who should run with credit, despite his maiden status. Out of the unraced Madame Mayra, the colt enters with a fourth-place run in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 17.

“The reason he's in Dubai is because we think he's capable of being pointed to the [G2] UAE Derby [on Mar. 25],” said Leandro Mora, assistant trainer to Doug O'Neill. “He has two GI Kentucky Derby points already and we like him because he's run three tough races against Bob Baffert horses. He's a gentle giant with a lot of talent. We think this race might suit him as he loves the surface at Meydan.”

Charles Fipke homebred Shirl's Bee (Bee Jersey) is aiming to maintain his perfect record after running out a track-and-trip victor in a Dec. 23 maiden race.

“Shirl's Bee would be the most interesting of our runners on Friday,” said Doug Watson, who has been named champion trainer in the Emirates seven times. “He has been training well and we like him a lot. He has a good draw and we're really looking forward to seeing him run.”

Tamarkuz colt Tiger Nation has an even dearer record to protect, as he made a winning debut at Jebel Ali on New Year's Day, before running out a 1 1/4-length victor of a 1400-metre conditions affair on Jan. 13. The main question is the step up in distance for the Sheikh Hamden bin Mohammed Al Maktoum-owned bay.

“Tiger Nation came out of the Guineas Trial well,” said Salem bin Ghadayer. “He has a wide draw [9] but he has natural speed and we're hoping he can control the race and be there or thereabouts.”

Large Godolphin Contingent Ready For “Business”

Shining Blue (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) is one of four bearing the royal blue in the Listed Business Bay Challenge over 1400 metres on turf, and he is part of a Saeed bin Suroor trio mustered for this test. A last-out winner over course and distance defeating the re-opposing Spirit Of Light (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) on Jan. 20, he carries a red-capped Daniel Tudhope and they break from stall four. Bin Suroor also sends listed winner Major Partnership (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and 2021 G2 Al Fahidi Fort hero Land Of Legends (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB})

“Shining Blue won nicely in a handicap over this course and trip last month, said bin Suroor. “He has done well since and is ready to go again. Land Of Legends has won a big race over this distance in the past and we wanted to give him a chance back over seven furlongs as he displays plenty of speed in his races. Major Partnership never shows a great deal in the mornings but I'm hoping he is saving it for the racecourse.”

However, the blue cap is bestowed on Modern News (GB) (Shamardal) from the Charlie Appleby barn. A listed winner at Windsor last June, the 5-year-old gelding has also been placed three times in group company, including when second in the G3 Sovereign S. at Salisbury in August. He weakened to sixth after setting the pace in the G2 Zabeel Mile here on Jan. 20.

Curlin S. Springboard To Dubai World Cup

The race re-named in honour of the dual American Horse of the Year, Curlin, who won the 2000-metre Jaguar Trophy H. in 2008 one start before his G1 Dubai World Cup victory, has attracted a field of one dozen aspirants for the $12-million big dance on Mar. 25.

On rankings, Salem bin Ghadayer trainee Hypothetical (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) towers over the field at 112. The 2022 G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 hero was last seen finishing seventh in the Dubai World Cup at the end of March.

“I need to give him one race before [the] Maktoum Challenge Round 3 on Super Saturday,” said bin Ghadayer. “He has a wide draw and top weight, but it's a prep race and he's 80-85% fit.”

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“He ran very nice,” said Tinkler. “I couldn't be more pleased and he stays out there now. He's going to run on Super Saturday and then World Cup night, all being well. He's bucking and squealing so we're happy.”

The MSP Racing and M Spence-owned gelding's long-term European aims are still up in the air.

“I think we'll give him a little break when he gets back,” Tinkler added. “I don't think we'll get him ready for the Duke of York. We might wait for Ascot probably. We'll play all that by ear. If we can get some money in the pocket, we'll be very happy.”

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The 1000-metre G2 Blue Point Sprint features the return of Acklam Express (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), who was a good second in the Mar. 6 G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint last year and third in the Mar. 27 G1 Al Quoz Sprint. Off the board in two races when returning to the UK including a 10th in the June 15 G1 King's Stand S., the bay appears after a lengthy break and trainer Nigel Tinkler is hoping for a reversal of fortunes for his 4-year-old gelding.

“He surprised us a bit last season with how well he ran here, against his elders,” said pilot Rowan Scott. “Then he ran a brilliant race to be third in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night. We've got him as fit as we can at home, so I have to be hopeful of a big run.”

Also signed on are the Australian Group 2-placed Parsifal (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) who was sixth in the Listed Dubai Sprint at Meydan on Jan. 28 and his stakes-placed stablemate He's A Balter (Aus) (Spirit of Boom {Aus}), last seen running second in a Meydan conditions race on the same card. The pair are trained by the Adelaide-based Will Clarken, who is stabling them at Meydan through the carnival.

“He's A Balter's run last time, only just being beaten, was a great thrill,” said Caitlin Jones, who will ride the gelding. “He's such a gentleman, he tries so hard and he's very honest. But Parsifal also ran really well in a slightly better grade of race, so it was a difficult decision.”

Godolphin's Lazuli (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a dual Group 3 winner in the UK, was second in the Dubai Sprint, and breaks from post nine.

Shahama Ready For The 1000 Guineas/Oaks Double?

KHK Racing's Shahama (Munnings) is the clear star of the 1900-metre G3 UAE Oaks. Yet to taste defeat in three starts locally, the Fawzi-Nass trained filly ventures beyond a mile for the first time in her young career. If successful on Friday, she would be the seventh filly to complete the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas/Oaks double going back to 2001, and the first since Polar River (Congrats) in 2016. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' after her second start earlier in the Dubai World Cup Carnival, she ran out a 3 3/4-length winner of the UAE 1000 Guineas on Jan. 28 against several of these. Doug Watson saddles the maiden Minwah (Cupid), who was second to Shahama in the 1000 Guineas.

Manobo Faces 'King' in Nad Al Sheba Trophy

The four-for-four Manobo (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) tries his hand over the Meydan turf for the first time in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy. A homebred for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, the 4-year-old gelding struck at Newbury and over the Kempton all-weather in May and June of last year, respectively. Back in action in the Listed Prix Turenne, he was a stunning 10 lengths ahead of his nearest pursuers in September and clawed his way to victory in the G2 Prix Chaudenay at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 2.

“Manobo's preparations have gone well and this is very much a stepping stone towards Dubai World Cup night,” said Appleby. “He had a lovely year as a 3-year-old and we are looking forward to seeing him back in action.”

Despite the hype for Manobo, he will be stiffly challenged by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's Dancing King (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}). Goodwood's August G3 March S. went the latter's way in his final start for Mark Johnston and Kingsley Park 16. He will be making his bow for his new connections in this turf marathon on Friday after selling for 380,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale.

Silent Speech to Use Meydan as a European Pattern Vault?

The two-for-three Silent Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) could make some noise in the European Pattern races once his stay in the desert concludes, and on Friday, the son of Epitome (Ire) (Nashwan) will attempt to land the Al Wasl S. over 1200 metres on grass. The chestnut captured a synthetic seven-furlong maiden at Wolverhampton in November and drew off to win by two lengths switched to this surface on Jan. 21. William Buick will ride the half-brother to Group 1 winner Ultra (Ire) (Manduro {Ger}) and G3 Prix Minerve heroine Synopsis (Ire) (In The Wings {GB}). The pair break from stall two. GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is out of another half-sister to Silent Speech.

Click here for the group fields.

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