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The UAE's leading dirt sprinter Tuz is looking to maintain his dominant form as he defends his crown in the Gr.3 Dubawi Stakes at Meydan on Friday. Following his success in the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and a commanding victory in last month's Listed Garhoud Sprint, the speedster faces just five rivals over the 1200m course.
Trainer Bhupat Seemar said: "Tuz is one of the fastest horses in the world and is in good form. He's his usual self so all is good with him."
Among his challengers is UK import Desperate Hero, making his dirt debut for trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer, and Colour Up, who finished second to Tuz in the Garhoud Sprint. Strobe, showing promise on his Meydan debut, represents the Simon and Ed Crisford stable.
The official feature, the Gr.2 Zabeel Mile, sees San Donato attempting to join Safety Check as a dual winner of the race. The 9YO, previously successful under Doug Watson, now represents Michael Costa and comes off a promising second in the Listed Business Bay Challenge.
An intriguing UAE 2000 Guineas Trial has drawn 13 runners, including a sole filly, Arigatou Gozaimasou. The Bin Ghadayer-trained runner, impressive on debut, faces a challenging draw in stall 11. Southern Hemisphere prospects Don Vacarro and Nam Phrik, trained by Julio Olascoaga, bring solid Uruguayan form to the table.
The meeting introduces British racecourse group The Jockey Club as a new sponsor for the Jumeirah Stakes, featuring ten promising three-year-olds over 1400m on turf. The Fingal Raven, with one win from four UK starts for Jamie Osborne, and Spirit Of Leros, successful twice in five outings, make their Meydan debuts. Charlie Appleby's Hallasan, winner of a valuable sales race at Doncaster, heads the field.
South African trainer Dylan Cunha returns to Dubai after a 15-year absence with two runners, including Silver Sword in the opening Zabeel Turf over 2000m. The competitive 15-runner contest also features Appleby's duo Endless Victory and El Cordobes, alongside Sean, fourth in the Gr.2 Al Rashidiya last time for Osborne.
Group One winner Emaraaty Ana tops the weights in the Sword of Excellence Stakes over 1200m on turf, making his first appearance since placing seventh in the Al Quoz Sprint last July. The bottom weight, 3YO King's Call, represents Cunha's yard following his purchase at Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale.
The card concludes with Appleby's King Of Conquest, who drops in grade for the 2810m Zoho Handicap on turf after contesting Group One company last time out.