Preview: Big Stars Twinkle For Maktoum Challenge Meeting

Mawj will also face stiff opposition, with her rivals set to include impressive Gr.2 Al Rashidiya winner Measured Time. Star Of Mystery, Mysterious Night and Dhahabi who have all made exciting starts to 2024.

Classy stayer Siskany is making his first start in the listed Al Khail Trophy after the Breeders Cup weekend. The 6YO son of Dubawi finished unplaced in the Gr.2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes. He was run down by Aidan O'Brien-trained Broome in a thrilling finish to the Gr.2 Dubai Gold Cup.

In the Gr.3 UAE 2000 GUINEAS, Julio Olascoaga-trained Oasis Boy, winner of the 2023 Clásico Miguel Cané goes up against Palm Jebel Ali winner Military Artist. The Fawzi Nass-trained chestnut will be looking for redemption after his defeat against Michael Costa’s Ma Yetal. Michael Costa on the other hand will be looking at bringing home a third feather in his cap with Turjman.

For Clapton, the US$1 million Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge is merely one of his many pits stops before the US$ 12 million Dubai World Cup and even possibly the US$20 million Saudi Cup.

Strategic Stallion Acquisition: Elevating Dubai World Cup Presence

Infact, strange as it might sound when trainer Chad Summers made a private purchase of the Brethren colt this summer on behalf of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s RRR Racing, it was solely to give him a strong presence in the Dubai World Cup on March 30. He faces tough competition from Kazakh racing’s flagbearer Kabirkhan (USA) who recently stole the show at Meydan when he won the Dubai Islands handicap earlier this month from his stable mate Hero Mo. The son of Dubai World Cup winner California Chrome has won 9 of his 10 starts and he was runner-up once.

We also see these stalwarts go up against crow favourites and old rivals Military Law and Atletico El Culano.

Clarendon House broke the 5f course record at Southwell when landing the feature US$32,039.15 sprint under PJ McDonald in 2023 December. The Robert Cowell-trained 5YO made a successful all-weather debut at Wolverhampton last month and he followed up with Ascot win setting up for the Meydan tilt.

Middleham Park Racing’s son of Mehmas will be the main contender going up against 2021 winner Equilateral are among 13 speedsters set to clash in the Group Two Meydan Sprint, the highlight of Friday’s Carnival meeting.

International Showdown: 1000m Turf Dash Spectacle Awaits

The 1000 m turf dash has attracted an international line-up, with horses from the UK, Ireland and the Czech Republic such as Ponntos, Star Of Mystery, alongside popular local stable stars such as Tajalla, Thunder of Niagra and others.

Bhupat Seemar saddles two stable stars in the Gr.3 Al Shindagah Sprint, Leading Spirit and Laurel River. The latter is a former charge of Bob Baffert, and has won four of his seven starts for Juddmonte Farms. The 6YO Into Mischief colt makes his debut at Meydan with stalwarts like Mouheeb from the Michael Costa stable in the running.

Thrilling Battle For Al Fahidi Sprint Supremacy

Kevin Philippart De Foy hopes to saddle Business Bay Challenge winner Vafortino, defeating old foe Danyah to take home the Gr.2 Al Fahidi Sprint crown. Other classy runners dot this field like Marbaan and Demain, who will be seeking glory on this powerful race day. 

Defending trainer Doug Watson-trained Thegreatcollection who was runner-up in the 2023 edition of this race will be making another attempt to take home the coveted prize for the Red Stables. Old foe Echo Point hopes for revenge after being defeated in the 2023 Palm Beach Towers Handicap earlier this season.

Saifaldin Deeb-trained Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments winner Thaydah Athbah will be the one to beat in this clash of Purebred titans. The premier Arabian contest, Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge, will also see First Classs contest the AED 500,000 in the lead-up to the Gr.1 Al Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup night.