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In recent years, Godolphin has enjoyed success at the Gr.3 Dubai Millennium Stakes. However, the upcoming race poses significant competition for the 'boys in blue,' as Trevaunance, trained by Irish trainer Jessica Harrington, enters the fray.
This 5YO marks Moyglare Stud's first Dubai runner and boasts an impressive racing record, having clinched victory in four out of her 14 starts. Notably, Trevaunance secured a win in the Gr.2 Prix de la Nonette at Deauville in August, adding to her credentials.
“Trevaunance has travelled over to Dubai very well and Zara, her rider, has been delighted with her,” said Kate Harrington, trainer’s daughter and assistant. “Shane [Foley, jockey] sat on her this morning [Wednesday] and was very happy with how she was.
“We are looking forward to her running a big race on Friday.”
Challenging her is a strong duo from Charlie Appleby, led by New London, the victor in the G3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in 2022. The 5YO, now a gelding since his last race in September, will be ridden by William Buick. Notably, Buick has opted for New London over Warren Point, guided by Mickael Barzalona, who achieved a second-place finish in a Qatar Gr.1 amidst his international racing endeavors.
“We are hoping that dropping back to a mile and a quarter is going to suit New London,” said Appleby, who won all four turf races on Fashion Friday last week. “This race has always been the plan for him and, if you take the best of his 3YO form, he looks a serious contender.
“Warren Point proved what he could do in Bahrain and Qatar last year. He ran well enough out in America and then the ground was against him at Newmarket. He has wintered out in Dubai for a couple of years without actually running at Meydan, but I think the trip and track will suit.”
Trainer Jamie Osborne, hailing from the UK, has already experienced triumph during this Carnival with Ouzo. He holds high hopes for another impressive performance from Sean, who recently finished fourth in the Gr.2 Zabeel Mile.
“We ran him at a mile first time, knowing that he would probably improve for the step up in trip,” said the trainer. “I think the 2000metres will suit him and if he comes forward from his first run he should be very competitive.”
Osborne also runs Solid Stone, a Group two winner when trained by Sir Michael Stoute in the UK. “His main target is the Gr.2 Dubai City of Gold on Super Saturday,” said the trainer. “We’re running him here with a view that it will bring him on for that.”
The main supporting race, the AED500,000 Listed Dubai Sprint, features a field of 14 contenders competing on the 1200m turf track. Among these competitors is Mischief Magic, the 2022 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner. After finishing fourth to Ponntos in the previous race, Mischief Magic will now be stepping back up in trip.
“Mischief Magic came out of the Ertijaal Dubai Dash well and coming back to six furlongs should play to his strengths,” said Appleby. “I feel he should be a big player.”
Among his rivals, there are strong contenders such as Walbank and Yonafis. These two finished first and second respectively in the previous race at the same course and distance. Additionally, Batwan, trained by Nicolas Caullery, is looking to secure a third victory at this particular course.
“Sadly he has a bad draw ,” said Marine Henry, trainer’s wife and assistant. “Last time he had a bad draw also and was on the wrong side of the track so hopefully he won’t have that problem this time.
“He’s still in good condition and is happy to be in Dubai so we just have to see how he handles the draw.”
In the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic, a thrilling clash awaits as horses from three different countries compete over 1400 meters on turf. Last year, the race was won by Mawj, who went on to claim dual Gr.1 victories. This year, hopefuls aiming to follow in her footsteps include Nadelia, who emerged victorious in her solitary start.
“It’s her first time in Dubai but she won really easily on her first start in Deauville,” said Henry. “She’s a [half] sister to [G1 winner] King Gold and we do like her, that’s why we’ve brought her to Dubai. She did a piece of work really well last week and we’re looking forward to her race. She has a good draw and should go well.”
Botti Assesses Turf Potential
Challenging her is Onigiri, who transitions to the turf after a lackluster performance on the dirt in her last outing.
Trainer Lucia Botti explained, “The jockey had reservations about her handling the dirt last time. It was a risk we took, but now she's in good shape and very energetic. It's a demanding race for her, but she's in good health, and we want to assess her capabilities on the grass."
Doug Watson introduces Awesome Spirit Gal to the mix, stepping up in distance after finishing sixth in the 1200-meter race. Watson commented, “She arrived from Ireland and had a couple of runs there. We just got her started the other night. Her coat hasn't been coming in well, but she shows promise in her workouts. It's a challenging race for her, but I believe she'll give a commendable performance."
In the Lincoln Presidential, race two, a group of intriguing three-year-old colts competes over 1900 meters on dirt. Among them is Tapit'staleofverve, making his debut for owner-breeder Charles Fipke and trainer Doug Watson.
Watson expressed optimism, stating, “Tapit'staleofverve trains like a really promising horse. We were held up for a while due to a growth spurt, and we're now running in this 1900-meter race. It's a distance he should handle, but it's a significant challenge for his first start. He has trained well at Meydan, and I expect a good performance from him."
Shababy, a recent winner at Jebel Ali, stands as a formidable competitor. Trainer Julio Olascoaga noted, “He seems to be improving week by week. In consultation with the owner, we decided to target this specific race to prepare him for the Al Bastakiya later this month. While we are the only winners in the field, there are some notable contenders who performed exceptionally in their previous starts."
The closing Lincoln Corsair Handicap, spanning 1800 meters on turf, features Royal Dubai aiming to improve upon his second-place finish a month ago over a mile.
Trainer Lucia Botti expressed satisfaction, stating, “We were thrilled with his last performance. It was his first run of the season, and he behaved well in the gates, which can sometimes be challenging for him. He was reasonably fit going into that race, but he looks even better now, and we are pleased with his condition."
Race eight on the card is the Jumeirah Guineas, covering 1600 meters on turf. Appleby’s Legend Of Time faces off again with Shamrock Glitter and Athnan, whom he defeated in the trial for this race a month ago.
The racing action kicks off at 5:30 pm with the Lincoln Handicap for Purebred Arabians, covering 1600 meters on dirt.