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| Staff Writer |
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Romantic Style heads a select international field of five runners from four different countries in Friday's Gr.2 Cape Verdi, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, as she bids to continue Godolphin's remarkable record in the US$231,500 mile contest on turf at Meydan.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Romantic Style brings solid European form, having landed the Gr.3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville before finishing fourth in the Gr.1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Her trainer is optimistic about her chances in what marks her seasonal return.
"We are very pleased with Romantic Style heading into her seasonal return and her preparation has gone well," said Appleby. "This is a starting point ahead of a potential European campaign and, if she runs to the level she showed in the French Guineas, it will make her the one to beat. Hopefully, this can set her up for a good year."
Among her rivals, Easywithme, a bargain purchase at just US$6,500, brings impressive credentials with four wins from six starts. Her Norway-based trainer Niels Petersen remains upbeat despite the challenge ahead.
The field is completed by five-time winner Choisya from the Simon and Ed Crisford yard, Danish raider Ultima for trainer Veronika Jandova, and Ziggy's Dream, representing British trainer Alice Haynes in her second Carnival appearance.
The US$109,000 Cocoa Beach Stakes over a mile on dirt sees nine 3YO fillies face the starter, including Salem bin Ghadayer's impressive debut winner Arigatou Goziamasu. Flama Sunshine and Queen Azteca, first and second last time in the Shahama Stakes, renew rivalry.
Earlier on the card, Mount Kosciuszko heads the weights in the Defender Handicap over 1900m on turf. Trainer Julio Olascoaga is expecting a big run after an unlucky recent effort: "He was very unlucky last time out when he should have won and that race wasn't weak at all. We have managed to book Mickael Barzalona, who in my opinion is one of the best around Meydan, so I think we have a good chance."
Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta, successful last week with Thundering, is double-handed with Lunatick and Shamran in the divided handicap.
The card also features the local debut of Castlewarden, a full-brother to Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, in the Defender 525 Edition Handicap over 1400m on dirt for trainer Bhupat Seemar.
Doug Watson saddles returning course specialist Mubakker after a two-year absence, alongside Kazakhstan import Olzhakhan in the same contest.
Racing begins at 5:30pm with the Defender 90 Handicap for Purebred Arabians over 1400m on dirt.