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Measured Time is bidding to create history by becoming the first dual winner of the Gr.2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on Friday. The Charlie Appleby-trained 4YO followed his victory in this race last year with a Group One success in the Jebel Hatta, before finishing fourth in the Dubai Turf. He later claimed his first American triumph, defeating stablemate and multiple Group One winner Nations Pride in Manhattan at Saratoga.
Previous winners of this 1800m turf contest include Blair House (2018), Barney Roy (2020), and Lord Glitters (2021), with Appleby securing four of the last five renewals.
Three-time Meydan winner Royal Dubai, trained by Lucie Botti, returns after a summer campaign in Britain, while Sean, trained by Jamie Osborne, seeks redemption after near misses in Dubai last season.
The US$270,000 Gr.2 Al Maktoum Mile sees an intriguing clash between Artorius and Clapton. The former, now with Bhupat Seemar, arrives with strong American form having won the Curlin Stakes, while Clapton, previously third in the Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge, joins Doug Watson's yard.
Listed Dubai Creek Mile winner Meshtri adds depth to the six-runner field, having previously beaten Qareeb and Desert Wisdom.
A fascinating edition of the Listed Business Bay Challenge has attracted multiple Group One winners over 1400m. Danyah, winner of the 2023 Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint, makes his seasonal debut, while Argentine Group One winner Satu debuts for trainer Julio Olascoaga.
Olascoaga also saddles El Patriota, with Champion Argentine jockey Francisco Leandro Goncalves partnering Satu.
The Listed Entisar features the remarkable Military Law, seeking a second victory in the race after his 2019 success. Now a Gr.2 winner, he concedes weight to nine rivals including UAE Derby runner-up Auto Bahn, who makes his first start for Watson since finishing second to Japanese star Forever Young.
In the 2YO fillies' Shahama Stakes, Watson's Ruby Hamilton seeks redemption after a troubled debut behind Arigatou Gozaimasu, while British raider Secret Combination brings an unbeaten record for Osborne.
The card opens with the Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge Round I for Purebred Arabians, featuring Kahayla Classic runner-up Barakka and AF Alajaj for trainer Ernst Oertel and leading Arabian breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda.