Race 5, the Al Maktoum Mile, has drawn a small but select field of six for the Group 2 event and the most interesting runner is Juddmonte-owned Artorius, now under the care of Bhupat Seemar.
Formerly trained in the USA by Chad Brown, who had a high opinion of the horse, he won three of his 11 starts, including the Curlin Stakes (Listed) at Saratoga in 2022. Sporting the same silks as Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, he has fitness concerns, off a 162-day break, and is best watched on his UAE debut under Tadhg O'Shea.
Meshtri, trained by Michael Costa, comes fit and well after causing a minor shock in the Dubai Creek Mile (Listed) four weeks ago. He showed a likeable attitude when battling on strongly to get the better of Walk Of Stars. He is a lightly raced colt that has more to offer.
Clapton, who ran well in the final two legs of the Al Maktoum Challenge in January for Chad Summers, has joined Doug Watson and is having his first run of the season. Rated 108, Clapton is the highest-rated runner in the field and from a yard going well, he commands respect.
Watson has a good record in the Al Maktoum Mile, winning three of the last five renewals.
Race 2, the Ertijaal Dubai Dash (Listed), the first turf race of the card, sees Czech champion sprinter Ponntos return to the Middle East to defend his title in the 1000m turf sprint.
Denne historien er fra December 20, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra December 20, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Al Maktoum Mile tops Meydan card
Racing in the Emirates cranks up a gear with Festive Friday, a quality card at Meydan Racecourse today and an early Christmas treat for punters. It should be a cracking meeting to enjoy at Dubai's iconic track.
Desert Snake for Abu Dhabi win
Racing returns to the Abu Dhabi Turf Club tomorrow for a highly competitive seven-race card, six days after the excitement of Heros De Lagarde's victory in the HH The President Cup, the world's richest Arabian race and the highlight of the season at the track.
Africa to rule in Grand Heritage
Four R250,000 Jackpot one carryovers on offer this weekend.
Return to sprint trip to suit Surjay in Merchants
Surjay returns to his favourite distance at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday and can pick up another victory in the Grade 2 De Grendel Cape Merchants over 1200m.
A full-service auction house
Modern and contemporary art remains important source of revenue.
Some tough games to call
Sporting action is heating up around the country as some teams prepare to take some time off and others face a busy Christmas period, with rugby, football and cricket still in full swing this weekend.
PAKISTAN SEAL SERIES
CAPE TOWN: KLAASEN'S KNOCK IN VAIN AS VISITORS CRUISE TO EASY WIN
Cardoso gets buy-in from Downs
The resurgence under new Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso continued on Wednesday night when the reigning Betway Premiership champions edged Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at the Cape Town Stadium.
Magesi must show mettle
Clinton Larsen's (above) Magesi FC have a chance to become the first side to beat the Carling All Stars XI tomorrow, when the two teams face off in an exhibition match at Orlando Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).
Champions Trophy stand-off resolved
India will play next year's Champions Trophy matches on neutral ground after refusing to visit tournament host and arch-rival Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday following weeks of wrangling.
