Meydan Racecourse Full Card Preview for Thursday, February 10

More action is set to unfold at Meydan racecourse in Dubai as the latest date on the Carnival calendar brings us a UAE 2000 Guineas Trial as well as a listed contest that features a number of proven performers. These two features run in addition to the usual assortment of high-class handicap action featuring contenders from all four corners of the globe.

2:25 Dubai Imtiaz Trophy

Our old friend Sir Gerry (Carson City) steps up to the plate once again and he’s been having a little trouble finding his form, but he could be set to take advantage against a slightly softer field and a move back up to 7f. Kieron Fallon is aboard Lipocco (Piccolo) but he ships in from Germany after a four month lay-off. Barbecue Eddie (Stormy Atlantic) gets a bit of weight to work with and could be a contender with a solid trip.

3:05 Dubal Casthouse Trophy

Once More Dubai (E Dubai) lines up for the blue team and he just missed on his Meydan debut when sent off at a solid 14/1 price. Anybody aboard in the place-only market got a decent payday and he’s more than able to get to the line first this time as he faces off against an extremely similar field. He’ll be looking to save a bit extra and not get headed on the run-in this time. Lost In The Moment (Danehill Dancer) has been hitting well but might be biting off a bit more than he can chew. Watch out for the aptly-titled Sabotage (Halling) who either finishes top two or dead last.

3:40 Dubai Potlines Trophy

There is a tough field in this one but punters will likely find plenty to like about Final Drive (Viking Ruler) who ran third on his Meydan debut after a credible stint on the English all-weather circuit. He achieved career-best figures on the day and could improve here. The dark horse to watch out for is the mysterious Dear Bela (Indygo Shiner) who is a Godolphin recruit from Argentina that comes from extremely good connections and is related to Monmouth Park course record holder Quebrada Shiner (Indygo Shiner).

4:15 Dubal Trophy

Happy Dubai (Indian Ridge) looks to be in a real comfort zone at the moment and he takes on a rather underwhelming contingent here. If things go according to plan, Royston Ffrench should stroll home.

4:50 Firebreak Stakes (listed)

A number of talented runners are set to line up here and not the least of which is Godolphin’s Skysurfers (E Dubai) who gets Dettori for the seasonal debut. The two combined for a debut score at Meydan last year but that was in a different class of action. He also hasn’t won since but he will likely get a good trip from the legendary jock. Well-bred Musir (Redoute’s Choice) lines up for Sheikh Mohammed after closing out the Meydan campaign last year with a win in the UAE Derby. Expect him to enjoy plenty of action here but beware a short price. He hit off a lengthy debut last year as well.  

5:30 UAE 2000 Guineas

There is nearly £100,000 up for grabs here as several up-and-coming contenders are set to go 1m on the Tapeta. Splash Point (Street Cry) flashed some quality to finish second in a UAE 2000 Guineas Trial back towards the start of the meet. He finished second to Zanzamar (Fort Wood) when sent off at 14/1 and could enjoy the extra furlong. Zanzamar is set for this one as well and deserves respect though he will likely be overlaid. Looking for an outsider? Try Paulinho (Equal Stripes) who ran second in a conditions race here on December 30. South Americans tend to be underbet so he should go off at a tidy price.

6:15 Dubai Excellence Trophy

The nightcap features about 45 Godolphin runners amidst a field of 17. While a number might be set for a debut here, Kingsfort (War Chant) looks the selection and he also gets Dettori. Haatheq was a disappointment last time out but was in the mix until the end and will likely get a slightly different strategy for this one.