Dubai: Preview of Meydan on Feb. 6

The Dubai Racing Club guides you through Friday’s program at Meydan, with a first post of 8:30 a.m. ET.

Capacity fields, competitive racing, and champion jockeys converge on Meydan Racecourse for the 11th Dubai Racing Carnival meeting of the season on Friday.

Popular Group 1-winning gray Lord Glitters is celebrated in the night’s featured Lord Glitters Handicap (sponsored by Azizi Developments), which has an oversubscribed field of 16 for the 1800-meter turf event.

Five Europeans take on the locals, including last time out winner Sean, for Jamie Osborne, and the Ian Williams-trained Dante’s Lad, who finished an eye-catching third on his local debut.

“He’s training well, and Ian thinks he’s come on loads since his first run, so we’re expecting a good run,” said Ryan Tongue, Director of Owners Deva Racing. “Megg (Burton, exercise rider) reports him to be in great form too.

“The drop back a furlong I feel will suit him well as he has a strong cruising speed. It’s great to have Richie (Mullen) on board.”

Another who has made the journey from the UK is Dividend, who made a good start to Dubai life when third to Folk Festival over 1600 meters last time out.

Jamie Insole, co-trainer, said: “He ran a great race, only beaten half a length and was gaining all the time. We didn’t think he traveled that well as he was off his food for the week, so was running quite light. He’s had three weeks now between races and should take a step forward.”

Fawzi Nass unveils an interesting recruit in Al Aali, who was Group 3-placed in France for previous trainer Lucie Pontoir.

“Al Aali took quite a long time to adapt as he’s a bit quirky, so we needed some time to figure him out,” said jockey Adre De Vries. “He’s going the right way now and has made big progress the last couple of weeks. We expect him to run a good race, but it’s a stepping stone for him.”

João Moreira returns to Meydan for the first time since 2024, and the superstar Brazilian jockey has been snapped up for three rides, including four-time French winner Bullace for trainer Mohammed Mardood.

“Bullace has had an amazing French campaign over the past three years,” said the trainer. “He is in great shape for the Lord Glitters Handicap. The wide draw isn’t ideal, but with the ‘Magic Man’, João Moreira, taking the ride, we’re confident he can give the horse every chance.”

Northern Champion to Continue Walker Dream Run?

British trainer Ed Walker is enjoying an excellent Carnival with both his horses having won, and Northern Champion (pictured, orange silks) aims to take his Meydan record to 2-from-2 in the Dubai Trophy, race five.

The three-year-old beat the re-opposing Catullus by a head in the Jumeirah Stakes last time and has to carry an extra kilo more than that rival this time.

“He’s very well and this has been the plan since he won early in January,” said Walker. “The form has been franked by Title Role, albeit taking a different route regarding distance.

“We are looking forward to seeing him over six furlongs, and hopefully he can run well again as he’s extremely tough and genuine. Elouise O’Hart has been looking after both of our horses and has done an exceptional job. She’s very happy with him.”

Northern Champion will be ridden by five-time UK champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who returns for three rides on the card.

On Catullus, trainer Charlie Appleby said: “Catullus came out of the Jumeirah Stakes well, and I feel that the drop back to six furlongs will be interesting as he travels very well through his races. He has a run under his belt this year and should be a big player.”

The Simon and Ed Crisford team are also enjoying an excellent run of form, and they send out Flying Comet, who will aim to follow up his Al Wasl Stakes win of a month ago.

“We were very happy with his win last month,” said Ed Crisford. “He has improved a lot, and if he improves again he will be in the mix.”

Maximized was third behind Flying Comet, and his trainer Appleby is hopeful he can build on that, saying: “We were delighted with Maximized on his first start after a layoff in the Al Wasl Stakes. He got a bit tired that day and is entitled to come forward for the run.

“With a slight improvement in fitness, a repeat of his last run should put him there or thereabouts.” 

Cats By Five to Pounce Again?

Race seven, the Burj Azizi Handicap, over 1200 meters on dirt, features Cats By Five who aims to follow up his length and a half win over the re-opposing Danyah – winner of the 2023 Al Quoz Sprint (G1) – four weeks ago.

“Cats By Five is doing great, we’re really pleased with how he ran the last time,” said trainer Doug Watson. “We’ve had a nice little break in between, with some good work. He seems very well in himself – he’s a big strong animal. Hopefully he breaks like he did last time, and if he does he’d have a really good chance.”

Moreira also rides Jouncy in the closing Azizi Riviera Handicap, over 1200 meters on turf. The four-year-old was Group 3-placed in the UK for trainer Andrew Balding and has now moved to the care of Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga.

“Jouncy came a little bit late from the UK and after a hard European season, but he likes it here,” said Olascoaga. “He’s adapted well and enjoyed the winter in Dubai. He’s been training well, and the few times we’re released the handbrake he’s been consistent and has done some nice gallops.

“This looks a good starting point to measure where he’s at and where he can reach later.”

Olascoaga has called up another Brazilian, UAE Champion Jockey Silvestre de Sousa, to ride course and distance winner Expert Choice in the Azizi Venice Handicap, race two, over 1600 meters on turf.

“Expert Choice had a rough start to the season at Abu Dhabi and has been recovering from a few issues,” he said. “His run the other day at Meydan was acceptable for him, and now he returns to the trip he enjoys most. We are confident that he will run well but this division of milers – rated under 90 - is strong and much harder than last year.”

Expert Choice is in another full field, his 15 rivals including international raiders Tailgunner Joe, Calyxoh, and Chaldero.