Arguably the most competitive race on the card, with a full field of 16 declared, the 1000m Al Quoz Sprint looks impossible to solve with the speedsters powering up the straight turf course.
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Ian Williams saddled Sir Maximillian to lead in the dying strides under Kieren Fallon in the Super Saturday prep, the Group 3 Meydan Sprint, when he had plenty of today’s rivals behind him.
The horse who he defeated at the end, virtually on the line, was Ahtoug, trained by Charlie Appleby and runner-up in the Al Quoz Sprint 12 months ago. He was denied on that occasion by Amber Sky, back to defend his crown for Ricky Yiu and Hong Kong.
All the main speed in Al Quoz is high. Amber Sky 10, Caspian Prince 12, and main speed, Distinctiv Passion 14. Catch him.
— Pat Cummings (@DubaiRaceNight) March 25, 2015
However, it looks significant that jockey Joao Moreira, who made all on Amber Sky last year, partners another Hong Kong challenger, Bundle Of Joy, for trainer David Hall.
That said, it would be no surprise were Peniaphobia, trained by Tony Cruz and the mount of Douglas Whyte to prove best of the Hong Kong raiders.
Of the European contingent, multiple Group One victor Sole Power looks to hold the strongest claims, despite only finishing twelfth behind Sir Maximilian on Super Saturday.
Trained in Ireland by Edward Lynam, he is contesting this race for the fifth consecutive year and was second in 2012 and fourth in 2013. His style of racing means jockey Richard Hughes will be hoping the gaps appear in the final 200m.
