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The upcoming race day at Meydan Racecourse is set to feature an array of Group races, including two Gr. 2 events and three other Pattern races, all sponsored by Longines.
The Gr.2 Singspiel Stakes is anticipated to be a highlight of the evening, with Charlie Appleby's horses expected to dominate the field. This race also serves as a preparation for the Gr.1 Dubai Turf, which was won last year by Valiant Prince over the same course and distance.
Charlie Appleby, known for his success on turf, is entering three horses in the Singspiel Stakes. His stable jockey, William Buick, has chosen to ride Ottoman Fleet, who finished second in the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta in his last outing.
Highland Avenue, a front runner, will be ridden by Richie Mullen, while Mickael Barzalona will be on Naval Power, the returning 2023 Jumeirah Classic winner
“Ottoman Fleet probably brings the most consistent form over the course and distance into what looks a competitive race,” said Appleby.
“It was always the plan to come here following a strong run in the Jebel Hatta.”
“Naval Power had a few minor setbacks last year but has been training well. This looks a nice starting point to see where we are before taking him back to Europe.
“Highland Avenue has a bit to find with Ottoman Fleet from the Jebel Hatta and Al Rashidiya but he is an honest performer and I am sure he will run his usual race.”
British trainer Jamie Osborne is already having a remarkable Carnival with Ouzo's two wins. He is now entering Sean, who finished a close second to Warren Point in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes three weeks ago.
“Sean has thrived during his stay in Dubai,” said Osborne.
“I’m full of hope that we haven’t yet seen the best of him. It’s a very tough race and it will require a lifetime best, but I don’t think it’s impossible we will see one on Friday.”
The G2 Balanchine, a race for fillies and mares over the same 1800m distance, has been dominated by Godolphin for the past six seasons. Once again, Charlie Appleby has three entries, with Yarmouth Listed winner Sapphire Seas being the choice for Buick. Barzalona will be riding English Rose, who finished second in the Cape Verdi, while Mullen will be partnering Shining Jewel.
Appleby, who has won this race five times, is adamant who the first string is: “Sapphire Seas looks the filly they all have to beat. She was a good winner of a Listed race on her latest start. It’s her first appearance of the year but this will hopefully be a springboard to a nice European campaign.
“English Rose has definitely come forward since the Cape Verdi and I feel that she will appreciate racing over nine furlongs. Stepping back up in trip should suit Shining Jewel as well and we are applying a tongue-tie to her,” he told telling Godolphin.com.
Among those trying to break the Godolphin stranglehold is British trainer Hugo Palmer who runs Stenton Glider a good third in the Cape Verdi.
“We were very pleased with the run of Stenton Glider in the Cape Verdi,” said the Classic-winning trainer.
“It was her first run since August, after the first real break she had in her life.
“The Cape Verdi and the Balanchine were always the plan when we came to Dubai. She is a maiden winner who has been placed in four Stakes races so she has the quality. She needs to keep plying her trade in Stakes company to become a Stakes winner, so the Balanchine was always going to be her second target.”
The last two winners of the G3 UAE Oaks have gone on to run in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, so all eyes will be trained on Manama Gold with connections reported to be considering the same path.
Fawzi Nass's unbeaten filly, successful in the Cocoa Beach Stakes last time, faces five rivals in the 1900m dirt contest and will be ridden by Adrie de Vries.
“She’s very exciting,” said the jockey.
“She’s still improving and developing and came out of her last race really good. She was a bit long in her coat when she started here but she looks fantastic now.
“I think the further the better for her. She’s got a long stride and she’s very relaxed, so I’m not concerned about the distance at all.”
Among Manama Gold’s rivals are Doug Watson’s Mizzyaan, a good fourth on debut last time out despite missing the break.
Mizzyaan's owner, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, also has Auto Bahn in the Listed Al Bastakiya, the second leg of the UAE Triple Crown and a Gr.2 UAE Derby prep.
The Asiatic Boy colt finished second to Falcon Of Arabia two weeks ago and is one of two horses trained by Julio Olascoaga.who also sends out UAE 2000 Guineas third Quartier.
“Both horses have shown in their previous starts enough quality to compete at the level of a Triple Crown in the UAE,” said the trainer.
“We are happy and confident they’ll run a big race. They both arrive sound and in good condition, which we believe is key at this stage.”
Appleby has clinched victory in the 2810m G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, race seven, five times. However, his Siskany could make history by repeating his 2023 win, as no horse has won it twice.
“Siskany came out of the Al Khail Trophy well and his record around Meydan speaks for itself,” said Appleby of last year’s Dubai Gold Cup second.
“We are hoping that he can produce another strong performance and book his ticket for the Dubai Gold Cup.” The Godolphin handler also runs New London.