Clapton Headlines ‘Super Saturday’ Meeting At Meydan

by Alan Carasso, Heather Anderson & Adam Houghton

With G1 Al Maktoum Challenge winner Kabirkhan (California Chrome) missing from the entries and instead training up to the G1 Dubai World Cup in four weeks, the 'Super Saturday' meeting at Meydan is deprived of one of its star attractions. But a challenging nine-race program awaits, with no fewer than five of the contests offering free passes into the corresponding race on Mar. 30.

RRR Racing's Clapton (Brethren) should prove a handful in his second start since finishing down the field in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November. A two-time winner at the graded level in the US last season, the chestnut had the services of Antonio Fresu for the Jan. 26 Al Maktoum Challenge and sat a wide trip by design before staying on for third, beaten five lengths over course and distance. William Buick has the call from Chad Summers this time around.

“I'm very happy how the horse has acclimatised since he arrived,” said trainer Chad Summers, a dual winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with Mind Your Biscuits (Posse). “William [Buick] breezed him for us a few weeks ago and was very happy with him.”

Franz Strauss (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) has run well without winning in three starts this season, two of those over the Meydan 1900 metres, including a runner-up effort in the Al Maktoum Challenge. Richard Mullen rides for Bhupat Seemar from barrier nine.

The latter's stable companion Remorse (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) makes a belated return to the races in this spot. A listed winner and runner-up to Hypothetical (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 back in 2022, the Godolphin-bred 7-year-old was third in Round 2 of the Maktoum Challenge last year, was ninth in the G1 Saudi Cup and filled the same spot when beaten 20 lengths by Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) in last year's World Cup. He runs first-up here. —Alan Carasso

Sheema Pointer High On Quality

A prep race for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at the end of March, the G2 Dubai City of Gold over 2410 metres on grass attracted a quality field of nine runners.

Charlie Appleby saddles a trio of Godolphin entrants in this clash, anchored by Group 3 winner and G1 St Leger runner-up Castle Way (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}). He is the mount of William Buick and breaks from the widest gate in 11.

“Castle Way is probably the horse out of my three with the most scope to progress throughout the season,” said Appleby. “He ended his 3-year-old campaign with a couple of strong efforts and is ready to get going again.”

Both Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Bold Act (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) are entering the fray coming off Pattern race victories–the former in the G3 Dubai Millennium S. earlier this month, and the latter in the GIII Sycamore S. at Keeneland in October.

“Warren Point has won over a mile and a half in the past, so stepping back up in trip won't be an issue–he should be bang there at the finish. Bold Act enjoyed travelling last year and put up a good performance to win at Keeneland in the autumn. He heads into this in good nick.”

G1 Deutsches Derby victor Sisfahan (Fr) (Isfahan {Ger}) is another runner of note, and he leaves from stall two.

Heather Anderson

Swing Vote Looks To Sustain Run In Burj Nahaar

Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal) has been on a serious roll in the Emirates this racing season and will look to take a step towards an appearance in the G2 Godolphin Mile as perhaps the one to beat in Saturday's G3 Burj Nahaar.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, who were represented by the tough World Cup runner-up Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) during last year's Carnival, the 4-year-old won two of four starts on the turf in France last season, but is perfect in three tries on the dirt. Victorious in the lower grades going a mile up the hill at Jebel Ali in December and January, he most recently stamped his authority on the Feb. 10 G3 Jebel Ali Mile, storming home by 3 3/4 lengths.

The veteran Hypothetical earned a ticket to the 2022 World Cup by winning Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge, but was well-beaten behind Country Grammer (Tonalist) in the big race and again in a single handicap test last February. The chestnut rebounded from a thrashing in a grass prep Jan. 11 to defeat Southern Artist (Munnings) by three-parts of a length in the G3 Firebreak S. over track and trip Jan. 26.

RRR Racing's Sound Money (Flatter) was fourth to Tuz (Oxbow) in Group 3 company on seasonal return and was forced to miss the Firebreak. Saturday's contest is his first try at a mile since finishing second to US champion Cody's Wish (Curlin) in the 2022 GIII Westchester S. at Belmont Park.

“He was a bit ring rusty [in the Dubawi S.],” said eight-time UAE champion trainer Doug Watson. “He had a bit of a foot issue four days before and pulled a shoe in the race, so I don't know how much that affected him. He trains like a proper horse and he's a beautiful animal. It was disappointing to miss the  Firebreak S., but we had to get him right.”

Adding depth to the field are the former American-based gallopers multiple graded stakes winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) for Juddmonte Farms and Three Chimneys Farm's stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed King Ottoman (Curlin). Laurel River was seventh in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint Jan. 26, but the latter makes his first local appearance. Both are trained by Bhupat Seemar. —Alan Carasso

Ras Al Khor Riches Up For Grabs

Staged as a Group 3 for the first time, the 1400-metre Ras Al Khor on grass sees a pair of runners owned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and trained by Michael Costa lock horns on Saturday.

   Marbaan (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) is the choice of rider Ben Coen, and will race with the addition of a tongue tie and shadow roll. The G2 Vintage S. hero ran 10th in the 1800-metre G2 Singspiel S. behind Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) last week and will begin from gate 10 in the 16-horse field. Stablemate Yonafis (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}}) has already been in action twice in February, running second in the Listed Dubai Sprint on Feb. 2, and fifth in the Listed HH The President Cup at Abu Dhabi on Feb. 17.

“Marbaan will be better suited to this race with the gear change and application of tongue tie and shadow roll,” said Costa, this season's leading trainer in the UAE. “Yonafis could not look any better, so it was a flip of the coin who Ben wanted to ride.”

Godolphin's Noble Dynasty (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is looking for his third victory on the bounce after taking a Newmarket contest and a Lingfield all-weather race in the autumn of 2022. However, he lines up coming off an 15-month break.

“Noble Dynasty runs well fresh and looks in great shape,” said Appleby. “He has a nice draw in stall four and should be involved in the finish.” –Heather Anderson

Go Chrome Go Makes Local Bow In Mahab Al Shimaal

While Kabirkhan swerves Saturday's meeting, his sire is represented by Go Chrome Go (Arg) (California Chrome), who rates a live chance in the 1200-metre G3 Mahab al Shimaal, the final lead-up into the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen.

The Southern Hemisphere 5-year-old, now under the care of Julio Olascoaga, is a winner of nine from 15 in Argentina, and rides a five-race winning skein which includes a one-length success in Group 3 company over a mile at La Plata back in July.

“He makes his first start a little late in the season, as he had some health issues related to travel that made him lose some time,” said Olascoaga. “He will catch the eye on Saturday as he is a very nice-looking horse by California Chrome.”

Freedom Fighter (Violence) is one of three in the race for the Seemar yard, having improved from a first-up sixth in listed company to finish second–albeit a distant one–to the impressive Moubeeb (Flatter) in the Al Shindagha Sprint.

The Friday scratchings of the undefeated 3-year-old Ma Yetal (Flameaway) and 110-rated Mubakker (Speightstown) leaves a field of eight Saturday. —Alan Carasso

Star Of Mystery Bids To Continue Winning Sequence

Improving 3-year-old filly Star Of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) puts her unbeaten record at Meydan on the line when she features in a 15-strong field for Saturday's AED1.2-million G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint sponsored by Emirates Skywards.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, Star Of Mystery is seeking her third straight victory at the track and her second over the 1000-metre distance having run out a decisive winner of the G2 Blue Point Sprint when meeting older horses for the first time on last month's Fashion Friday card.

Appleby said, “Star Of Mystery has enjoyed a little break since the Blue Point Sprint and a repeat performance of that will make her very competitive again. It's a good field but we are very happy with her.”

Czech raider Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) is 1.5kg better off at the weights with Star Of Mystery on Saturday having been beaten 1 3/4 lengths by that rival when runner-up in the Blue Point Sprint, while William Knight's Frost At Dawn (Frosted), the other 3-year-old filly in the line-up, will be bidding for a deserved win after finishing in the money in three of her four starts at Meydan to date, albeit in lesser company.

“She's thriving in Dubai and Abbie, who looks after her, is delighted with her,” Knight said of Frost At Dawn. “To be honest, I wish this race was over six furlongs [1200m], but she's shown she's got plenty of toe. It is hard for these 3-year-olds up against the seasoned sprinters, but I'd like to think she has a chance of running in the top three.” –Adam Houghton

Does The Shoe Fit?

The discussion on who will be the next winner of the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo begins with the three-for-three Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal). Just like subsequent G1 1000 Guineas heroine Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), the Charlie Appleby-trained filly won the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic at the beginning of the month, and Mawj was an 8 1/2-length winner of the 2022 edition of this race, also in the royal blue of Godolphin.

“Cinderella's Dream is in great order and stepping back up to a mile is going to suit,” said Appleby. “The form of her latest win has been franked by Beautiful Love and she looks the one to beat.”

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners has been involved in some noteworthy wins on an international scale far from their California base–G1 VRC Oaks heroine Pinot (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) to name one–and their Geologist (GB) (Territories {Ire}) looms the main danger in the 1600-metre turf affair. Well-seasoned with nine starts, especially compared to some of her rivals, the listed winner and Group 3 -placed filly was most recently fourth to Cinderella's Dream in the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic after taking the overland route the whole way around. –Heather Anderson

Legend Of Time Has The Hat-Trick In His Sights

Appleby is also responsible for the standout contender in the AED800,000 Listed Jumeirah Classic sponsored by Arabian Adventures which concludes the card, namely Legend Of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who has emulated Star Of Mystery by winning his two previous races at Meydan in 2024, including a two-length victory in last month's Jumeirah Guineas.

Legend Of Time, who will be suited by stepping up to 1800 metres, is joined in the line-up by stablemate Musical Act (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) to give Appleby another very strong hand in the Jumeirah Classic, a contest in which he saddled the first three home when Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) beat One Nation (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Highbank (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) in 2023.

“Legend Of Time has done well since the Jumeirah Guineas and this was always the target,” said Appleby. “Musical Act was a bit unfortunate in the Jumeirah Guineas, when he got caught up in an early speed duel and didn't finish his race. I'm hoping he can do everything the right way round this time and will be disappointed if he doesn't make the places.”

Runner-up to Legend Of Time in the Jumeirah Guineas, Athan (Arg) (Orpen) should keep the Godolphin duo honest once again after chasing home Appleby's Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) over the same course and distance last time, while Uruguayan raider Quartier (Uru) (Matterhorn) finished a good third in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas back in January and is another with place claims if proving as effective now tried on turf for the first time in his career. –Adam Houghton

The post Clapton Headlines ‘Super Saturday’ Meeting At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Laurel River Set For Desert Debut

Juddmonte's Laurel River (Into Mischief), last seen running out a 3 3/4-length winner of the GII Pat O'Brien S. in August 2022 for Bob Baffert, has been entered for the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint (1200m) and the G3 Firebreak S. (1600m) on 'Fashion Friday' at Meydan Racecourse Jan. 26.

“Everything seems to be fine, we've gotten nothing but good reports from over there,” said Garrett O'Rourke, general manager of Juddmonte USA, who confirmed that the 6-year-old stallion will take part in the shorter of the two races Friday evening.

An impressive maiden winner at second asking in April 2021, Laurel River was second to The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) in the GIII Laz Barrera S. the following month, but went missing off an 11 1/2-length romp in his first start going a mile at Del Mar that September. A facile allowance winner first off an 11-month absence in July 2022, he defeated American Theorem (American Pharoah) and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) in the Pat O'Brien to earn a berth in that year's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. He was scratched on the eve of the race, for which he would have been one of the top choices.

Laurel River was subsequently transferred to the successful yard of trainer Bhupat Seemar and cleared quarantine last October. He has been in steady work since, but the Juddmonte team are taking a pragmatic approach to what might lie ahead.

“I don't want to get ahead of ourselves. He's been off a long time,” O'Rourke said. “I'd like him to show that he still has the same sparkle, but obviously we expect some rust for as long as he's been off.”

O'Rourke indicated that it will be one step at a time with Laurel River and that near-term options include the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint–a race won last year by Juddmonte's champion Elite Power (Curlin)–and the G3 Mahab al Shimaal (1200m) or G3 Burj Nahaar (1600m) on Super Saturday in Dubai Mar. 2 en route to a possible appearance on Dubai World Cup night four weeks later.

“I'd say he'll dictate where we go,” O'Rourke said. “We have to answer one question first and that's whether he shows his old spark and ability and I think after that, we'll play it by ear. You don't want to pigeonhole yourself into any plan when something different might work out to be the best.

“We've got to get past this performance and move on after that,” O'Rourke continued. “We're just happy that the horse is healthy and happy and working well and wherever it leads us after this weekend, we'll see where we go with him.”

Laurel River will kick off his Dubai campaign on a mark of 116, among the highest-rated dirt horses in the jurisdiction. Isolate (Mark Valeski), winner of last year's G2 Godolphin Mile and on track for the G1 Saudi Cup next month, is rated on 117, while the top dirt sprinter Tuz (Oxbow) is rated 115. The latter, conditioned by Seemar, is also among the entries for the Al Shindagha Sprint.

 

The post Laurel River Set For Desert Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Full Programme For The 2023-2024 Dubai Racing Season Unveiled

The full 2023-2024 programme for the Dubai racing season at Meydan Racecourse has been released.

Running from Nov. 10 until Mar. 8, the season includes 14 meetings and precedes the $30.5-million Dubai World Cup meeting on Mar. 30. In addition, the prize-money has been increased by 27%, with the minimum per race now AED165,000. The Festive Friday card will contain six stakes races, among them the G2 Al Maktoum Mile at Meydan on Dec. 22. There is also Fashion Friday on Jan. 26, with nine black-type races on tap led by the G1 Maktoum Challenge and the G1 Jebel Hatta. Super Saturday remains in its usual slot, and features the G2 Al Maktoum Classic, upgraded G3 Ras Al Khor, and the Listed Jumeirah Guineas. It is Mar. 2, 2024.

Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, said “We are delighted to unveil the full programme for our exciting new-look season here in Dubai. The programme is diverse and caters for a wide range of horses, both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred. We hope that our excellent prize-money and world class facilities will continue to attract the best in the sport to race here in Dubai.”

For the full schedule and more information, please go to the Dubai Racing Club website.

The post Full Programme For The 2023-2024 Dubai Racing Season Unveiled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Purses Increased For 2023-2024 Meydan Racing Season As More Changes Announced

Purses will rise 27% during the 2023-2024 Dubai racing season at Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai Racing Club announced earlier this week.

The new minimum purse of AED165,000 will be for non-stakes races, while all Group 1 races will be increased to a purse of at least AED1 million. The prize-money of $30.5 million on Dubai World Cup night will remain unchanged. In addition, all Meydan cards will feature nine races except for the first two.

Other changes revealed by the DRC include two new feature race nights: Festive Friday on Dec. 22 and Fashion Friday on Jan. 26, while Super Saturday will be held on Mar. 2, and Dubai World Cup night is set for Mar. 30. Racing at Meydan begins on Friday, Nov. 10.

“The DRC management and board have decided to reshape racing in Dubai, to improve sustainability in line with what is happening in the region,” said Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club. “Today, many countries are going along with Dubai and the UAE by using racing to showcase their development, a journey which Dubai started much earlier.

“The Dubai Racing Carnival has now become the whole season. Horses can now come to Dubai from the start of the season until the Dubai World Cup.”

Stephanie Cooley, International Manager for DRC, added, “From an international perspective, we still have our quarantine facilities, plus trainers also have the option of shifting over to a local stable. It's a more condensed season but we have retained all of the feature races and aligned them more with some of the bigger races in the region.”

British horses will also now have more travel options when visiting the Middle East.

“Horses trained in the UK have the option of 90 days temporary import, with the option of going in and out,” said Erwan Charpy, Advisor to the DRC. “They can also come on a permanent import and go back with a 30-day quarantine or go back as temporary import. There are discussions to get England to line up with the regulations in the European Union, as since Brexit there is almost no problem with horses going back to the EU without quarantine on a permanent import.

“The import certificate was previously just for the Dubai Racing Club, but now it is for the Middle East, which allows for more freedom of movement.”

The post Purses Increased For 2023-2024 Meydan Racing Season As More Changes Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights