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| Staff Writer |
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Walk Of Stars is set to make his seasonal return in Friday's Listed Dubai Creek Mile at Meydan, headlining the second Dubai Racing Carnival meeting. The 5YO, trained by Bhupat Seemar, finished second in the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup night when last seen in March.
Champion Jockey Tadhg O'Shea takes the ride on Walk Of Stars, who is still seeking his first Meydan victory despite placing in three of his five starts at the track.
"It's his first run and our horses always improve for their runs," said Champion Trainer Seemar. "The two winners we've had both had a run and then won second time but Walk Of Stars is in good form and has been training well."
Dual course winner Al Tariq, stepping up to a mile for just the third time in his career, leads the challengers. His stablemate Atif, trained by Doug Watson, makes his Dubai debut following two victories in Argentina.
Watson said: "Al Tariq stayed seven furlongs up the hill in the Jebel Ali Classic at the end of the season, so we thought we'd give him a shot at a mile. He's still holding some high-class form and he's in good form now."
The supporting Thunder Snow Handicap, named after the dual Dubai World Cup winner, has attracted a field of ten over 1,900m on dirt. Lion's Mane, fresh from victory at the previous carnival meeting, faces Al Nafir, an interesting newcomer to Vaibhav Shar's stable following a US$163,400 purchase at the March Racing In Dubai Sale.
Al Nafir, previously with Charlie Appleby, is a full brother to multiple Group One winner Ghaiyyath. Seemar said: "It's his first run on the dirt but he's training well and he's fit."
The juvenile action features seven 2YO colts in the Como Residences Maiden over 1,200m. Salem bin Ghadayer sends out three runners, including Vivido, a US$95,000 Fasig-Tipton purchase. "Vivido trialled well but he's a little bit later with his training than the others. I believe that he has class, so we're pleased with him," said Bin Ghadayer.
In the concluding Dubai Island Fillies' Maiden, Ruby Hamilton represents new syndicate Spring Stables for trainer Doug Watson. The Audible filly impressed when first past the post in a recent Jebel Ali trial.
Co-Founder Cathal McHugh said: "Ruby Hamilton is an exciting filly, especially being our first runner for the new Spring Stables in the UAE. She has a great mind, moves well and just does everything right."
She faces five rivals, including Arigatou Gozaimasu, a US$325,000 Ocala purchase who also showed promise in trials at Jebel Ali.