Ebbs Engineers Ten-Horse Dubai Takeover

Precision Strategy For World Cup Challenge

Paul Ebbs has built his racing operation on a simple principle: plan meticulously, execute patiently, and never compromise on horse welfare. The 2025–2026 season represents his largest project to date: 10 horses across three syndicates, each following carefully mapped campaigns with aspirations for the Dubai World Cup.

The 2024–2025 season delivered solid results with Mendelssohn Bay's UAE 2000 Guineas victory, marking an important milestone for the syndicate. "We had a strong year two years ago," Ebbs reflects. "Last year was a good year, and we bought more horses, but it wasn't just for last year, it's for this year. When we buy horses, it's not for an immediate plan; it's for the long term."

Those investments are beginning to show returns. Mendelssohn Bay returned in November with a six-length Dubai Creek Mile victory. The syndicate has assembled a deeper collection this season with Suited and Booted from five runners this season (one win, one second); though returning less than last season's 21 runners, two wins, one second, one third, one fourth. The focus has shifted to quality over quantity.

Three Syndicates Sharing One Consistent Winning Approach

The flagship Suited and Booted Syndicate carries five horses: Impressive Act, Kalidasa, Mendelssohn Bay, and Poster Paint. Suited & Booted – My Future Champions Racing focuses on 2YOs Lino Padrino and Omaha Front. Casino Forge Syndicate houses three horses, including Casino Bay and Falcon of Arabia.

The structure of the syndicates serves a broader purpose. "The whole idea is to bring new people to racing in Dubai, and hopefully they'll have some success along the way," Ebbs says.

Mendelssohn Bay Leads Ambitious World Cup Charge

Mendelssohn Bay, rated 109/109, leads the stable's efforts. His 2024–2025 campaign showed steady progression, with the UAE 2000 Guineas victory (3¾ lengths under Pat Cosgrave), the Dubai Islands Conditions Stakes narrow win over stablemate Killer Collect, and the November Dubai Creek Mile (six lengths under Richard Mullen). He also placed third in the Burj Nahaar, fifth in the Godolphin Mile and third in Maktoum Mile.

"He ran in the Godolphin Mile last year and had a solid fifth place against a lot of older horses," Ebbs recalls. "He showed his strength and calibre in the way he finished. We were easy on him last year. His plan was not for last year; his plan was for this year."

The campaign plan: Al Maktoum Challenge Round Two in January next year, then Super Saturday with the World Cup as a longer-term objective. "His Curlin pedigree makes him particularly suited for the dirt surfaces at Meydan as he matures," the syndicate principal notes.

Kalidasa, by Frankel out of Group 1 winner So Mi Dar , rated 94/89, represents an interesting prospect. He's the most expensive yearling ever bought at sale to race in Dubai. 

"He's probably the best-bred horse in the UAE," Ebbs states. "He's had one run on dirt for the experience. Now his next run will be the 1,800 metres in mid-December. We believe he's a Super Saturday horse in the making. We're going to try and get the first or second Frankel ever to have a winner on dirt."

Classic Contenders Targeting Major 2YO Races

Lino Padrino has one victory from two starts this season. His planned route: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial and UAE 2000 Guineas in January this coming year, potentially Al Bastakiya in February, and UAE Derby.

Trainer Bhupat Seemar confirms the progression. "Lino Padrino could be a UAE Derby horse, but he has to go in the Guineas first," Seemar explains. "And for that, he will have to go into the Guineas trial."

"For that to happen, we need many factors to fall into place," Ebbs acknowledges. "He's a good horse. Well, we believe all our horses are good; they just have different circumstances. Lino Padrino was lucky enough to demonstrate that to us last week."

Omaha Front, acquired at Arqana Deauville, is by Omaha Beach out of Galileo mare Precious Stone (nine starts, three wins, six places). "He's beautiful," the syndicate manager says. "He's a mile-plus campaign horse, sired by Omaha Beach, who was very versatile, beating all high-class horses in America."
He runs in late December over one mile at Jebel Ali.

"He's had one run under Andy," Ebbs explains. "He's a fine, strapping horse, but he just needs time to strengthen up. We think the one mile up the hill will definitely be his cup of tea. His natural progression is the Al Bastakiya and UAE Derby, because he's got the breeding for the distance."

Consistent Performers Provide Solid Foundation For Operation

Poster Paint returned with a second at Jebel Ali. "He's a consistent campaigner, which I believe is the flag bearer, because he's always there," Ebbs says. "Even though he's by Postponed, he'll go predominantly turf, but we've tried him on the dirt. He'll always deliver what it says on the day." He runs in mid-December in the 1,800-metre race.

Impressive Act, a 4YO by Dubawi rated 89-90, won his last race in Abu Dhabi six months ago. "We will now switch back to turf in January," Ebbs explains. "He's a Dubawi, he'll do both turf and dirt. Now he's definitely a seven-furlong horse."

The target is the US$1 million (AED3.67 million) Thoroughbred Gold Cup in Abu Dhabi in February next year. "He just has to come up on the ratings," he adds. "He's rated 89-90, so he just has to come up to 97-99. If it's not this year, it'll definitely be next year."

Casino Bay, a 3YO by Complexity rated 78/78, has shown progression. Casino Forge has one runner this season (zero wins, one second), compared to last season's five runners, two fourths.

Falcon of Arabia, a 4YO gelding by Speightstown rated 85/88, should appear by late January. "He's run six furlongs on dirt and turf," the syndicate manager says. "Potentially ideal for seven furlongs now. He should be out by the end of January for a dirt campaign. Very strong, powerful horse."

Breeze-Up Sales Offer More Than Stopwatch Times

Ebbs favours breeze-up sales. "We look for horses from a breeze-up point of view, where they're already pre-trained," he explains. "When we buy them from the breeze-up, effectively, they're ready to run or be trained."

Trainer Bhupat Seemar endorses this approach, noting that breeze-up purchases offer better returns in Dubai's calendar, allowing horses to race sooner than yearlings.
"There's more to it than just a time: the horse's breeding, conformation, body shape, and how much more growing he's got to do," the syndicate principal says. "We take all that into consideration."

His focus is on American dirt pedigrees—horses by Mendelssohn, Curlin, and Omaha Beach—has shown promise. "If you can get a run as a 2YO to prepare them for the classics in January, February, March, that's the ultimate," Ebbs notes.

Zabeel Stables Partnership Built On Trust And Respect

The relationship with Bhupat Seemar forms the foundation. "We have a very good trainer, and he's got an excellent team and stable facilities now," Ebbs says. "His attention to detail is impressive, and the tender love and care that's given to the horses; they treat their horses well."

Horse Welfare Guides Every Decision Before Glory

Ebbs's commitment to horse welfare shapes every decision. "Predominantly, our objective is to bring people racing and look after the horses," he states. "The horses' well-being, that they're fit and sound, is utmost important."

Regarding lucrative Saudi Arabia opportunities, the syndicate principal exercises caution. "Saudi prize money is attractive, but the track conditions are different from Dubai, and that doesn't suit every horse," he explains. "If he's not effective on the ground, you stand no chance of being in the top five, and potentially you could harm or damage the horse. We wouldn't be taking any risks like that unless the trainer gives us the thumbs up."

Dubai's short season supports this welfare-first approach. "The horses have time to recover for the following season," Ebbs notes.

December Campaigns Approaching Their Most Critical Junctures

As December progresses, campaigns approach critical junctures. In mid-December, Poster Paint and Kalidasa contested the 1,800-metre race in different divisions, both under Tadhg O'Shea. Mendelssohn Bay came third in the Al Maktoum Mile in mid-December.

The 2024–2025 results with Mendelssohn Bay have raised the profile of Suited & Booted as a developing boutique operation in the UAE. Now, with 10 horses and carefully mapped campaigns toward the biggest prizes, the focus remains on steady progression.

With campaigns unfolding across Meydan and Jebel Ali, the Suited & Booted syndicates represent patient investment meeting professional training. Whether World Cup glory arrives this season or next, the syndicate manager's welfare-first philosophy ensures these horses will compete only when ready, race only when sound, and retire only when fulfilled.