Here are five horses to keep an eye on Thursday night at Meydan Racecourse.
Nashmiah, 8.15pm UAE Oaks
Mickael Barzalona pushed the Saudi Arabian filly to the front early to win the UAE 1000 Guineas two weeks ago. Nashmiah was slowing down in the final stages but still held off Thursday’s rivals Nomorerichblondes, Rajar and the now comparatively well-drawn Complimenti. Nashmiah is hardly bred to get the 1,900 metres of Thursday’s UAE Oaks, so Barzalona will have to hold up his mount, travel in to the race and pounce late. There have been seven Saudi Arabian fillies in the UAE Oaks and all have been beaten, but Nashmiah bids to become the sixth horse to complete the Classic double after Satin Kiss, Folk, Cocoa Beach, Local Time and Polar River last year.
Vazirabad, 8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy
There could be as many as six winners from last year’s Dubai World Cup night return to Meydan next month and French challenger Vazirabad will be one of them. Vazirabad was a deeply impressive winner of the Dubai Gold Cup last March, and judging by stablemate Zarak’s impressive victory at Meydan last week he will be ready to rock. Vazirabad will not have it easy in Thursday’s featured Nad Al Sheba Trophy. Last year’s winner Sheikhzayedroad returns to Dubai for his fourth successive season in the form of his life and Saeed bin Suroor saddles the intriguing Beautiful Romance.
Handassa, 6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3
The French raider in Thursday’s Group 1 for Purebred Arabians had a shocking time of it last month in the second round. The seven-year-old missed the break, was squeezed out of the gate and then sulked at the rear of the field to finish sixth behind Faucon De Loup who was entered for Thursday but does not run. Handassa was the overwhelming favourite, too, so look out for fireworks with Jim Crowley in the saddle as Handassa seeks to defend his crown in the opening race. Or not, as the case may well be.
Fly At Dawn, 7.05pm Meydan Classic
Fly At Dawn has been switched to turf for Thursday’s Meydan Classic over 1,400 metres after he skipped the UAE 2000 Guineas on dirt two weeks ago. There were valid reasons for his absence, too, as he reportedly caught his lip in the latch of the stable door and chipped and pulled a few teeth out. Fly At Dawn was being considered for next week’s Al Bastikiya, but with suspect stamina he has been chosen by trainer Charlie Appleby to lead the Godolphin line with stablemate Top Score and Saeed bin Suroor’s Really Special also engaged in the Listed contest. Do not expect a toothless performance.
Oh This Is Us, Al Naboodah Kaesser Compressor Trophy
British trainer Richard Hannon has yet to have a winner at Meydan and he could definitely count himself unlucky when five-time handicap winner Oh This Is Us was edged out by Salateen and Flash Fire two weeks ago. Oh This Is Us was short of room in the final 100 metres, however, and although recompense for unfortunate losses rarely comes in racing Hannon can at least be hopeful Thursday in the concluding race at 10pm.
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