Without Stakes Races on the Card, Argentine Atif and Brazilian Norato Stand as the Only South American Representatives in Action
DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Especial para Turf Diario).- Meydan Racecourse is feeling the love this Valentine's Day with eight highly competitive races scheduled for the twelfth Dubai Racing Carnival card of the season on Friday.
Excellent prize money of AED350,000 has attracted a strong field of ten for race six, the Lincoln Aviator Presidential Handicap. This season’s leading trainer Michael Costa fields three, with stable jockey Ben Coen on Saleymm, third last time out on dirt.
“We were looking to start him off over six furlongs but this was the only available option,” said Jebel Ali Stablestrainer. “This will decide if he goes to the Ras Al Khor or returns to dirt for something like the Burj Nahaar.”
Costa also runs Embesto, sixth on his local debut at Jebel Ali, and Elnajmm, fourth in a dirt trial. “Embesto is well for his turf comeback,” he said. “Elnajmm recently arrived from William Haggas, and we’ll consider a dirt run next if necessary.”
Godolphin fields two: recent Meydan winners Native Approach and Creative Story, with William Buick opting for the latter for trainer Charlie Appleby.
“I feel we have two strong contenders,” said Appleby. “Creative Story performed well on his first Dubai run. Native Approach, though impressive in the Business Bay Challenge, disappointed in the Al Fahidi Fort, but we aim to get him back on track.”
Also in contention is dual Meydan winner El Nasseeb, now trying turf for trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri.
Earlier, the Lincoln Corsair Handicap over 2000m on turf introduces Georges Mikhalides, based in Qatar, who runs Kadovar, with Dylan McMonagle up. “The draw [15] is wide, but the jockey is strong,” said Mikhalides.
Lucie Botti’s Berkshire Nugget, second last time, breaks from post 16 under Ray Dawson. “He’s in great shape but the draw is tough,” said Botti.
From Sweden, Nina Lensvik sends out Havandi in the Lincoln Handicap over 2200m. Ridden regularly in training by Silvestre de Sousa, who takes the race ride, Lensvik commented, “Silvestre knows him well and rates him on dirt, but he’s still green. I believe in this horse.”
Friday’s card starts at 5:30pm local time with the Al Tayers Motors Handicap for Purebred Arabians. Sand Storm AA, fresh from a win last week, returns for trainer Ernst Oertel, who also runs AF Afham, chosen by jockey Tadhg O’Shea. “AF Afham has a good draw [4]. I’ve always felt he’s a Group-level horse, and I expect him to show his quality,” said Oertel.
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