The Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse continues with an exciting lineup for its penultimate meeting on Friday. Sponsored by Emaar, the event features eight races and a total prize purse of AED 2.5 million, drawing in both local and international competitors.
The highlight of the evening is the seven-furlong Group 3 Ras Al Khor Stakes, which sees a competitive field of 15 horses, including the last two years’ winners and notable entries from Europe and the UAE. As the season nears its peak leading up to the Dubai World Cup on March 27, this event presents an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills on a prominent platform.
One of the withdrawals from the race is Marbaan, trained by Michael Costa, who was scratched the day before the race. British contender Fort Payne, under Nicolas Caullery, now takes on the mantle to reclaim a title on turf after a less favorable dirt performance. Costa’s other entry, Elnajmm, who triumphed in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort, looks to build on his recent success against familiar rivals.
Elnajmm has been praised by Costa as he prepares to compete, suggesting the horse is in excellent condition. Similarly, Fort Payne’s team has acknowledged their strategy to utilize turf for this race, taking into account his previous run. Marine Henry, Caullery’s assistant, noted that the decision was made to avoid running Fort Payne and King Gold in the same race, highlighting confidence in Fort Payne’s turf capabilities.
A notable return in the Ras Al Khor Stakes comes from Charlie Appleby’s horse Mysterious Night, who had a fifth-place finish in last year’s Al Fahidi Fort. Appleby remains optimistic, citing the horse’s preference for the seven-furlong distance at Meydan and his overall good form leading into the race.
Additionally, Saeed bin Suroor’s Dubai Treasure, a filly seeking to excel against male rivals, has shown promising abilities, having performed well in the Group 2 Balanchine. Murtagh, aiming for his first Meydan win, believes Chicago Critic has the potential to make a significant impact after a near miss in his last outing.
The Ras Al Khor Stakes is known for its tactical depth, bringing together seasoned competitors as well as rising local talents. The event begins with the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah for Purebred Arabians, where defending champion Djafar returns after a mixed performance in Saudi Arabia.
Watson also enters Arlan in the 2200-meter Emaar Champion Stakes, facing off against Claymore, who is making his dirt debut for trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. The card features a competitive three-year-old event, Next Mile by Emaar Conditions, showcasing rising stars like Miss Yechance and Dream of Tuscany, both of whom have impressed their handlers with their recent training.
As the evening unfolds, the Ras Al Khor Stakes promises to be a highlight, with a mix of defending champions and ambitious challengers. With competitors like Elnajmm, Fort Payne, and Mysterious Night on the roster, the anticipation for this race is palpable.
Racing is set to commence at 5:30 PM UAE time, and fans can catch all the action via the Dubai Racing Club’s YouTube channel.