The eagerly awaited and much anticipated 2016 Dubai World Cup Carnival begins at Meydan this evening with the eyes of the global racing world firmly fixed on Dubai.
The 1600m opening round of the Al Maktoum Challenge, one for Thoroughbreds, the other for Purebred Arabians, are the
undoubted highlights and, in both races, the 2015 winner is back to defend is crown.
In the Group 2 Thoroughbred version, it is Surfer, trained by Satish Seemar and the mount of Richard Mullen, seeking to win the race in consecutive years.
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No horse has ever won the race twice, so history is certainly against him. It is also his first start of the season, as opposed to 12 months ago when it was his second, but there is a good reason for that.
Assistant trainer, Bhupat Seemar, explained: “Basically, he has run on World Cup in the last three seasons and not fired, seeming flat.
“We are hoping, by delaying his return, to have him in peak condition for the end of March. He is in great form and has a good record fresh so we have to be hopeful.”
The three horses who followed home last year are all back as rivals. Second was Frankyfourfingers, subsequently winner of the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge for trainer Salem bin Ghadayer.
He is joined in the field by stable companion Long River, last seen when well beaten in last year’s World Cup.
Stable jockey, Mickael Barzalona, sticks with Frankyfourfingers.
Haatheq, third 12 months ago, is one of two in this year’s renewal for trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe. He should run well but stable companion Le Bernardin, the mount of Tadhg O’Shea, could be a bigger danger.
Doug Watson is also doubly represented with stable jockey Pat Dobbs choosing to ride Layl and Sam Hitchcott aboard Faulkner.
Watson said: “They both needed their first run with this race in mind. Obviously, it is a tough race but we would like to think both can run well.”
He may have a new trainer, but Bigg N Rich will try and win the Group 1 Purebred Arabian edition for a second year.
Previously trained by Eric Lemartinel, who is now the man in charge at Al Asayl Stables, he has joined Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (dirt 1600meters)
— H.H.Sheikh Caughtair (@Caughtair0223) January 6, 2016
Well beaten on his debut for the yard, he is better than that and looks a big danger to all.
Meanwhile, in his new role, Lemartinel saddles two with Abhaar, the mount of Wayne Smith, looking the most likely winner,
However, the fascinating one has to be AF Mathmoon – winner of all his three starts to date for trainer Musabah Al Muhairi.
Mathmoon will now carry the world blue and white colours of Sheikh Hamdan for the first time having previously raced in the colours of his breeder, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda.
The runners of Nacer Samiri always have to respected in this sphere and he saddles four. Sha’Red, the mount of Richard Mullen and Pat Dobbs, aboard Thakif, appear his strongest chances.
