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| Staff Writer |
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Meydan Racecourse is preparing for an international spectacle this Valentine's Day, with an eight-race programme attracting runners from seven countries. The evening's highlight, carrying a substantial US$95,000 purse, has drawn a highly competitive field of ten runners.
Leading trainer Michael Costa heads into Friday's card wielding a powerful three-pronged assault in the feature Lincoln Aviator Presidential Handicap. His stable jockey Ben Coen takes the reins on Saleymm, who caught the eye when finishing third in his recent dirt outing.
Costa, outlining his team's prospects, said: "We were looking to start him off over six [furlongs, 1200metres] but based on how he got ready this was the only available option for him. This will decide if he goes to the Ras Al Khor or finds himself back on the dirt for something like the Burj Nahaar."
His other contenders include Embesto, who finished sixth at Jebel Ali three weeks ago, and recent William Haggas recruit Elnajmm, who showed promise when fourth in a dirt trial. Costa added: "Embesto is well for his comeback to turf. We would have preferred it over a little bit further, but we've limited options so we need to get a run under his belt before he steps up in trip."
Charlie Appleby, who has already saddled 13 winners during this Carnival, fields two strong contenders. William Buick opts to ride Creative Story, who impressed on his Dubai debut, while Native Approach aims to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Al Fahidi Fort after earlier success in the Business Bay Challenge.
Saeed bin Suroor brings fresh challengers to the supporting turf handicap, with Olympic Candle making a swift return after finishing fifth last week. Stablemate Warsong steps up in trip following a narrow defeat to subsequent Listed Dubai Sprint runner-up Haasim in January.
The card welcomes Georges Mikhalides, a multiple Group One-winning trainer based in Qatar, who introduces Kadovar to Meydan in the Lincoln Corsair Handicap. Despite drawing wide in post 15, Mikhalides remains optimistic with Irish jockey Dylan McMonagle booked for the ride.
Swedish representation comes from Nina Lensvik with promising 4YO Havandi in the Lincoln Handicap. The dirt specialist partners with Silvestre de Sousa for the first time in a race after encouraging signs in training.
Dual Meydan winner El Nasseeb, trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, adds intrigue as he switches to turf after impressive dirt performances. Berkshire Nugget, trained by Lucie Botti, aims to build on an excellent recent second despite being drawn wide in post 16 under Ray Dawson.
The evening commences with the Al Tayers Motors Handicap for Purebred Arabians, where Sand Storm AA attempts to follow up last week's success over a shorter trip. Trainer Ernst Oertel also runs AF Afham, the choice of jockey Tadhg O'Shea.
The eight-race card begins at 5:30pm local time, offering a blend of international competition and local talent across both turf and dirt surfaces. General admission tickets are available from US$1.36, with special Valentine's Day dining options in the Winner's Circle Restaurant.