Summers Looking For More Meydan Magic With Clapton

by Alan Carasso & Heather Anderson

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.

The post Summers Looking For More Meydan Magic With Clapton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Open Zabeel Anchors Carnival Card

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues at Meydan on Thursday, and the seven-race card is loaded with six stakes races-five at group level-a little over two weeks in advance of the Mar. 6 Super Saturday card.

The G2 Zabeel Mile has been won the past two years by Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby. Per usual, the royal blue is well represented, and the 110-rated D'Bai (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) leads the foursome. The 2019 G2 Al Fahidi Fort victor was only three-quarters of a length back in second when defending his title on Jan. 21. Another Appleby runner is listed hero Art du Val (GB) (No Nay Never), who was a running-on fourth in the G2 Singspiel S. on Jan. 21. Saeed bin Suroor sends out the Jan. 28 course and distance winner Bedouin's Story (GB) (Farhh {GB}).

“D'Bai ran a very good race in the Al Fahidi Fort and the return to 1600m is not a concern as he won over the trip as a young horse,” said Appleby. “The 1800m looked slightly too far for Art Du Val in the Singspiel, so the drop back 200m should be in his favour.”

Said bin Suroor of Bedouin's Story, “This is a big step up in class, but we are looking forward to seeing how he copes with it.”

The MGSW Epic Hero (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is aiming to bounce back after a rough-passage third in a listed race at Newmarket on Halloween. The Simon Crisford runner was also third a start prior in the G3 Darley S. at HQ earlier that month.

Similarly to the Zabeel Mile, the 1800-metre G2 Balanchine on grass attracted another Godolphin quartet, led by Jan. 28 Cape Verdi heroine Althiqa (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}). If she salutes on Thursday, she will give her connections their third consecutive Balanchine. The roan, carrying three more pounds than her rivals, will also attempt to complete the Cape Verdi/Balanchine double for the third time in three years. Another from the same yard is Group 3 heroine Summer Romance (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), who ran fifth in the Cape Verdi after setting the pace.

“We had slight doubts about the 1600m before the Cape Verdi, but she saw it out well,” said Appleby. “She now has an extra 200m, under a penalty, so that is a new question, but she is in great form. That was a bit disappointing from Summer Romance in the Cape Verdi, but she has worked well since and we will race her in a hood.”

Saeed bin Suroor's duo of 2020 UAE 1000 Guineas winner and MGSP Cape Verdi third Dubai Love (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) returns for another try against Althiqa. “Dubai Love is a tough filly with a touch of class as she displayed winning last year's UAE 1000 Guineas,” said bin Suroor. “The 1800m should really suit her and she is in great form.”

One of Althiqa's chief rivals is Cape Verdi second Stylistique (GB) (Dansili {GB}) for Roger Varian. An allowance winner at Deauville last November, the GSP filly has Andrea Atzeni in the irons. It will be just 11 days short of a year since G3 UAE Oaks victress Down on Da Bayou (Super Saver) ran off the board in the inaugural Saudi Derby, but she makes her long awaited 2021 and grass bow in the Balanchine. Mozzarella (Fr) (Power {GB}), MGSP in France last summer, was a last out fourth at listed level at ParisLongchamp in September.

The G2 Meydan Sprint kicks off the group action at Meydan on Thursday and MGSW A'Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) carries top weight of 134 pounds. The five-time group winner's most recent tally was in the G2 Sapphire S. at The Curragh in July, but he ran fourth in York's G1 Nunthorpe S. a month later and trailed home 14th in the G1 Flying Five S. on Sept. 13. Frankie Dettori has the call for Simon Crisford.

Last out Listed Dubai Dash victor Equilateral (GB) (Equiano {Fr}) will not make A'Ali's task an easy one over the grassy 1000-metre trip; nor will Dubai Dash third and G3 World Trophy S. hero Lazuli (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) representing Godolphin.

Sheikh Hamdan's Waady (Ire) (Approve {Ire}), successful in this event in 2020, reported home second in the 1200-metre G3 Dubawi S. on dirt when last seen on Jan 21. “It's really good to be back on grass with him and he's definitely better on it, even though he ran great last out in the Dubawi,” said trainer Doug Watson. “He's in great form and everything about him at the moment is positive.”

Watson's Mnasek (Empire Maker) mauled her opposition by 6 3/4 lengths when unveiled over 1400 metres locally on Dec. 17, and she heads the field for the G3 UAE Oaks on Thursday. She lost her unbeaten tag after breaking poorly in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas to Godolphin's Soft Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), but as that rival is contesting the Feb. 20 $1.5-million Saudi Derby in Riyadh instead, she looks to have a clear playing field.

“She's doing really well and we broke her out of the gate twice with Pat [Dobbs, jockey],” Watson said. “I'm happy with him being on her this time. She has a lot of talent and if you stay out of her mouth–because she's touchy with that–at the start, she will break a lot better. I think she and Super Chianti are in great shape for the run.”

Her winning stablemate Super Chianti (Super Saver) was several lengths back in third in the 1000 Guineas and gains blinkers. Godolphin's Last Sunset (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) played bridesmaid to Soft Whisper in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial at Meydan on Jan. 7, and Saeed bin Suroor sends her back into the fray with Frankie Dettori on board. She was second most recently in the Feb. 4 Meydan Classic Trial versus males on the grass.

Bin Suroor said, “The step up to 1900m should really suit her [Last Sunset] and she ran well on dirt in the trial for the UAE 1000 Guineas, so we have no qualms about the surface.”

American expat Gladiator King (Curlin) towers over his rivals on form in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint. A winner of both the G3 Dubawi S. and the 2020 Al Shindagha at Meydan last January, the GIII Hutcheson S. hero ran third in the first edition of the Saudia Sprint at Riyadh on Feb. 29. Warming up for a defense of his title in this contest, the 5-year-old entire tired to third in the 1200m Dubawi S. on Jan. 21.

“He's in great form,” said assistant trainer Bhupat Seemar. “He ran third in his first run against fitter horses. He's a big, strong horse and you can only do so much galloping with him to get him in shape enough to compete with those types, so he definitely needed the run. He's definitely tightened up and improved from then.”

Feb. 5 Listed Jebel Ali Sprint winner Al Tariq (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) returns, and he represents trainer Doug Watson. Second in a Jebel Ali handicap last March, he finished in midfield when reappearing in a Meydan handicap on Jan. 21. “That was very rewarding at Jebel Ali and this is the obvious next target,” said Watson. “We think he can at least be competitive in a strong renewal.”

The lightly raced SP The Perfect Crown (Ire) (Hallowed Crown {Aus}) tests the waters at Meydan and at group level for the first time. Third in a Chelmsford conditions affair in September and fourth over a 1500-metre Deauville trip on Dec. 12, he is now trained by Salem bin Ghadayer. Bin Ghadayer said, “We have only had The Perfect Crown about three weeks, so this is a learning mission with him.”

Also on the seven-race card is the 2000-metre Listed Curlin S.    The lightly raced Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is one of three in the race for Godolphin. Hailing from the Saeed bin Suroor yard, the 4-year-old colt graduated at Chelmsford in October, and was second in a Meydan conditions head over 1900 metres on Dec. 17. He was third after an awkward break over the same distance in a handicap on Jan. 14. Charlie Appleby's two-time winner Desert Peace, by this stake's namesake, is making his first Meydan start after saluting in a Kempton synthetic test all the way back on June 21.

The ultra-consistent Tailor's Row (Street Cry {Ire}) enters off of a career-best runner-up finish in the Listed Jebel Ali S. on Jan. 5. A winner of three-straight two-turn handicaps prior to that run beginning last December, the Salem bin Ghadayer runner  is joined by stablemate and G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Mkfancy (Fr) (Makfi {GB}), ninth in that same Jebel Ali contest. Twelfthofneverland (Istan) has won two straight here for Satish Seemar-a 2000-metre handicap on Jan. 16 and another handicap, this time going a mile, on Jan. 30.

Click here for the group fields.

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