 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Cinderella's Dream heads a select field of five in Friday's Gr.2 Balanchine Stakes at Meydan, where trainer Charlie Appleby seeks a remarkable seventh consecutive victory in the race. The Breeders' Cup runner-up, partnered by William Buick, is returning after a break following her Grade One success in the Belmont Oaks and subsequent second in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Appleby said: "We gave Cinderella's Dream a little break following the Breeders' Cup and she looks fresh and well. This will be her only start in Dubai before we look at taking her back out to North America for the summer. She isn't finely tuned for this, as it's the start of hopefully another long campaign, but her preparation has gone well and she looks a worthy favourite."
The main challenge comes from Choisya, fresh from her victory in the Gr.2 Cape Verdi over a shorter trip. Co-trainer Ed Crisford is upbeat about her chances, saying: "We're really pleased with the way Choisya has been training out here in Dubai. She won the Cape Verdi in good style and I think if she can progress again she'll be very competitive."
Scandinavian raiders Easywithme and Ultima, along with British-trained Ziggy's Dream from Alice Haynes's yard, complete the international line-up.
The Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy has attracted six runners, with recent Listed Al Khail Trophy winner Keffaaf leading the charge. Trained by Michael Costa, he narrowly prevailed over King Of Conquest last time.
Costa reports: "We are very happy with him and he's very happy with himself. He worked on Sunday and looks to have improved again from his last run."
Veteran campaigner Dubai Future, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, returns from a 14-month absence for his sixth Carnival appearance. The 9YO boasts three previous Meydan victories.
Queen Azteca bids to strengthen her Kentucky Oaks credentials in the Gr.3 UAE Oaks, where victory would secure 50 qualification points for Churchill Downs' prestigious race. The Niels Petersen-trained filly, successful in the Cocoa Beach Stakes, faces several familiar rivals over the extended trip.
Petersen said: "Queen Azteca has come on for the race and will benefit from a little bit further. The opposition will be pretty much the same, so of course we are optimistic, but most importantly the filly just looks like she's getting better and better."
French challenger Mistysea, trained by Nicolas Caullery, aims to build on her dirt debut. Assistant trainer Marine Henry noted: "She recovered well and took her race quite easy. I expect a good run, because last time she wasn't ready as she didn't travel over that well. Now we know she can go on the dirt."
A fascinating renewal of the Listed Al Bastakiya has drawn 16 runners, headed by Heart Of Honor from Jamie Osborne's stable. The colt's only defeat from three Meydan starts came when second in the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas, finishing ahead of Royal Favour, Rafid, Don Vaccaro, Nam Phrik and Nimble Boy.
Osborne said: "Heart Of Honor has progressed well through the Carnival. Arguably he was unlucky in the Gr.3 UAE Guineas although I think he was beaten by a very good horse on that occasion, and we wish him the best of luck in Saturday's Saudi Derby."
Saudi Arabian three-time winner Faal Khair, trained by Ahmed Atieg, adds international intrigue to the contest, bypassing his domestic Derby in favour of this challenge.
The eight-race card, sponsored throughout by DP World, commences at 5:30pm local time.