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| Staff Writer |
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Last season's UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay is heading back to Meydan on Friday evening as the Dubai Racing Carnival continues with its fourth meeting of the season. The Bhupat Seemar-trained 3YO, who finished fourth in the Gr.2 UAE Derby on his last appearance, lines up in the 1900m Dubai Island Conditions Stakes.
Managing Owner Paul Ebbs is optimistic about the physical development of his charge, saying: "The form is stacking up really well when you look what [UAE Derby winner] Forever Young did in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup. The Derby itself wasn't the best race for him. He got slightly boxed in and then spooked at a camera going past the winning post the first time."
The feature race, the US$81,700 Gr.2 Madjani Stakes, sees the return of Hadi De Carrere, now under the care of Doug Watson after moving from French handler Thomas Fourcy. The 6YO, who finished third in the 2022 Dubai Kahayla Classic, faces 13 rivals including multiple Group One winner Rajeh from Musabbeh Al Mheiri's yard and the talented RB Yas Sir, now trained by three-time UAE Champion Ernst Oertel.
Watson is enthusiastic about his new charge, noting: "He's done really well since we got him just after World Cup night. He works like a Thoroughbred, so I'm hoping he runs like one!"
The City Walk Handicap welcomes Berkshire Nugget, a new acquisition for Lucie Botti's stable. The British import faces strong opposition from Al Mheiri's Aldhaja, who has been placed in all three starts this season, and maiden winner Kibo Misaki.
Imperial Emperor, who made an impressive start for Seemar with a commanding victory in November, carries top weight in the Palm Jebel Ali Handicap. The progressive runner faces seasoned campaigners Al Jaddaf and Thegreatcollection over the 1600m trip.
The card's seventh race, the Nad Al Sheba Gardens Conditions event, features the eagerly anticipated Meydan debut of Argentine-bred Oasis Boy for Watson, alongside Strobe, who makes his second appearance for Simon and Ed Crisford.
The meeting opens at 5:30pm local time, continuing Meydan's rich tradition of competitive racing during the carnival season. Pat Cosgrave takes the ride on Mendelssohn Bay, while stable jockey Tadhg O'Shea partners Killer Collect in what promises to be an intriguing clash in the feature thoroughbred contest.