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| Staff Writer |
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The upcoming night of racing at Meydan promises to be another exciting one for Charlie Appleby. Meydan's turf track has always been dominated by Godolphin, and Appleby has a knack for finding runners for the Dubai Millennium Stakes. He's brought Godolphin seven out of the nine wins in the race's ten-year history, winning the last six editions himself. With such a strong track record, it's no surprise that both New London and Warren Point, joint top-rated in the field of eight, have good chances in the 2000m contest.
New London, who won the Gr.3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in 2022, is the heavy favorite, and William Buick will be riding him. Although he narrowly missed winning the Listed Dubai Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket in September, New London finished fifth in the Group One Westminster 133rd Grosser Preis von Berlin, where he found little in the final 400m. Warren Point, who won last year's Listed HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup, will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona. Although his recent runs have been less than ideal, his experience in Grade One affairs at Belmont Park in the United States should prove handy when stepping down in class.
Trainer George Boughey has a great track record in the Middle East, and his Kodiac gelding is expected to perform well in the upcoming race. Al Shibli and Topper Bill, who finished second and third, respectively, in the 1000m handicap won by Vespasian at Meydan on 12th January, should also be watched out for. Topper Bill, in particular, performed exceptionally well after a long absence and may perform even better if he returns in the same form.
In the Jumeirah Guineas, Legend Of Time and Musical Act, both trained by Appleby, are expected to perform well. Legend Of Time, a Sea The Stars colt, won the Trial four weeks ago with a terrific turn of foot, while Musical Act won his last two starts on the British all-weather at Kempton and is perhaps the biggest threat to his teammate. Shamrock Glitter, who finished second in the Trial, will reoppose here under Jim Crowley, while Athan, who finished third, will once again be piloted by Fawzi Nass’ three months later.
Lastly, the Jumeirah Fillies Classic also looks to be headed Appleby’s way with Cinderella’s Dream and Beautiful Love forming a two-pronged attack. Cinderella’s Dream, a daughter of Shamardal, is two in two starts and should be very much in this with her teammate and stable companion Beautiful Love, a daughter of Siyouni, also boasting strong claims having won a novice event at Newmarket and followed that with a fourth in Listed company.