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International competition reaches fever pitch at Meydan on Friday, with the last chance to see live action before the Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5. The bumper nine-race card features horses trained in six different countries, with three US$51,700 handicaps headlining proceedings.
Max Mayhem carries top weight in the 2410m turf Spirit Flyback Handicap, where 14 runners will face the starter. Trained by Hilal Kobeissi, connections are optimistic about his chances.
"We're hoping for another brave run from Max Mayhem after a solid third last time over his preferred distance [1800metres]," said the Newmarket-based trainer, who is already planning a return to Dubai for the 2025-26 Carnival. "We're hoping for another good run and have made a positive jockey booking in Adrie De Vries."
Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta has a strong hand with two runners – Thundering, to be ridden by owner's retained jockey Vaclav Janacek, and Shamran under Bernardo Pinheiro.
Markakol made a striking impression when running out a length and a half winner over 1000m on turf a month ago. He faces 12 rivals over the same course and distance in the Master Collection Handicap. Ray Dawson takes over from apprentice Lorenzo Putzulu, who claimed 3kg last time.
"Markakol struggled early in the season to adapt to his new surroundings and find his best form," said trainer Julio Olascoaga. "But he's continued well after his last win and seems to be peaking in his condition now. However, this is a competitive race and he might miss the claim from last time out."
Veteran campaigner Batwan makes his 60th career start and 13th at Meydan. His owner and daily rider Marine Henry, wife of trainer Nicolas Caullery, remains hopeful despite challenging results this season.
"Batwan runs over 1000m and maybe this is one of the easier fields in that division over the last few years," she said. "However, I hope I am wrong, but I think he's shown in his last few runs that he needs further now. But we know he always tries his best."
The Caullery stable also run Moroccan-bred Russipant Fal in the 2000m dirt Legend Diver Handicap.
"Russipant was not really lucky during this Carnival, so why not have a try on the dirt?" Henry said. "He continues to look good in his condition but you never know how they will handle the kickback."
The same race features a rematch between Mashkoor and Havandi, who finished less than a length apart when Mashkoor prevailed over 2000m last month.
Nina Lensvik, Havandi's trainer, is confident of turning the tables: "He's been training very well and I was happy with his last gallop. It's always very competitive during the Carnival but I'm optimistic that he can finish among the first few."
Earlier, Olascoaga's Expert Choice bids to double up in the Conquest Handicap over 1400m on turf.
"He's a horse who has been developing through the season," he said. "He doesn't show much in the mornings but performs in the afternoons, always above expectations. This time he steps up into a more competitive category and drops in distance which shouldn't be a problem for him. We're happy that Jim Crowley, who really seems to understand him, is onboard again."
Expert Choice faces 15 rivals including two from Saeed Bin Suroor – Olympic Candle and Arabic Art – while last week's winner El Bosnia represents Janacek and Arizkorreta.
The meeting welcomes back Indian jockey Suraj Narredu, riding in the UAE for the first time since 2006. He partners Diamond Dealer for Bhupat Seemar and Lenormand for Osama Refai.
"It's great to be back in Dubai, I'm really excited to be coming back after such a long time as the last time I rode here was at Nad Al Sheba," said the jockey, who has amassed more than 2,400 winners including 100 Classics.
Libyan rider Khaled Alalos makes his debut on The Ice Phoenix for trainer Lucie Botti, while Turkish Group One-winning jockey Gokhan Yildiz has just his second Meydan ride on Miqyaas and Nastase for Rashed Bouresly.
Racing begins at 5:30pm with the La Grande Classique Handicap for Purebred Arabians, attracting a full field of 16 runners.