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| Staff Writer |
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Saffie Osborne is aiming to create more history at Meydan as she returns to partner Ouzo in their defence of the Lord Glitters Handicap, having become the first female jockey to ride a winner at the track 12 months ago.
Fresh from a successful Australian stint, Osborne is relishing the opportunity to partner her father Jamie Osborne's charge once again. "I'm really excited to be back in Dubai," she said. "It doesn't really feel like a year ago since Ouzo won. The history-making part feels a bit weird as I grew up watching all the best jockeys in the world ride winners at Meydan and it's something that I always wanted to do. Being female or male didn't really cross my mind."
Among their chief rivals is the progressive Silver Sword, representing British-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha. The gelding finished fifth in the Lord North Handicap last time and connections are optimistic about his chances from stall two.
"Silver Sword ran a blinder last time out and with a good draw will hopefully run another good race," said Cunha. "All being well both should be in the first four."
The card's other feature sees an intriguing clash in the Dubai Trophy, where Charlie Appleby's Symbol Of Honour, who defeated subsequent Group Two winner West Acre in the Al Wasl Stakes, heads the field. Cunha saddles King's Call, who sports first-time blinkers after finishing seventh behind the favourite last time.
"King's Call worked well with the blinkers fitted and we expect a huge run from him," Cunha revealed.
Qatar-based trainer Alban De Mieulle introduces Rebel Diamond, dropping back in trip after a sixth-place finish over 1500m. "Rebel Diamond is in good form and will come back to the short distance of 1200metres," said the trainer. "The straight line will not be a problem for him."
The closing Vazirabad Handicap over 2410m has attracted a strong international field, including Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta's Thundering, who carries bottom weight following his previous Meydan success.
"Thundering is doing very well after his win," said Arizkorreta. "It's a tougher race but he seems in great form."
The Godolphin team fields a strong trio with El Cordobes, Endless Victory and Royal Power, while Qatar sends Wafei, representing the powerful Wathnan Racing operation.
"Wafei won his two last races in Qatar on the sand track easily," De Mieulle noted. "I think he can perform well in this handicap race and the distance should suit him very well. He is in good form and did a nice canter this morning over the Meydan track."
The card opens with the Azizi Venice Handicap over 1600m, featuring recent Abu Dhabi protagonists Folk Festival and No Retreat, alongside French import Momarasa making his local debut for Doug Watson. Arizkorreta's El Bosnia adds further international flavour.
"El Bosnia is a nice horse; a mile is his limit," said the Spanish trainer. "I hope he will be competitive off his mark."