Source; Gulf News
Meydan Racecourse is all dressed up to usher in the New Year when it hosts a spectacular eight-race Dubai Racing Carnival card, arguably one of the strongest of the season so far. With just three months to go until the Dubai World Cup celebrates its landmark 30th anniversary, Friday’s meeting marks a significant shift in quality and intent.
Over AED 3.2 million in prize money is on offer, underlining the growing strength of the Carnival, backed by key partnerships with the Jockey Club, France Galop, Churchill Downs and major UAE sponsors. For owners and trainers, this is a proving ground: perform well here, and bigger March targets quickly come into focus.
Race snapshot Group 2 Zabeel Mile (Race 6, 20:25)
· Distance: 1600m
· Prize money: AED 1.5 million
Godolphin’s Aomori City in full stride on his way to victory in the G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. Photo Godolphin
The official feature brings together proven Group performers and progressive types, with history firmly on the side of Charlie Appleby, who has won the race six times. This year, he relies on Aomori City, winner of the 2024 G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. Now gelded after an unplaced run in the French Guineas, the colt returns from a break with expectations of improvement, particularly given his liking for turning tracks.
KT’s Top Picks for today
- Race 1: 1. Arabian Light, 2. Bedouin Prince
- Race 2: 1. Don Pacifico, 2. Sir Harmony
- Race 3: 1. Indian Springs, 2. Rabaah
- Race 4: 1. Do Or Do Not, 2. Catullus
- Race 5: 1. El Nasseeb, 2. Mufasa
- Race 6: 1. Aomori City, 2. Quddwah
- Race 7: 1. Legalized, 2. Six Speed
- Race 8: 1. Burdett Road, 2. Meydaan
Day’s Best Selection: El Nasseeb
A major rival is Audience, the 2024 Lockinge Stakes winner, who makes his first appearance for David O’Meara after being purchased at the Horses in Training Sale. While this is very much a fact-finding mission, his top-level credentials immediately elevate the contest.
At the head of the weights sits Quddwah, a multiple Group winner for Simon and Ed Crisford, who landed this race last season with Poker Face. Quddwah is one of three runners representing Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside Keffaaf and Chicago Critic, ensuring strong depth from the powerful Jebel Ali operation.
Why this race matters
The Zabeel Mile matters because it often reveals which milers are ready to take on deeper Carnival targets. Horses that perform well here regularly progress to elite-level assignments later in the season, making this an early but meaningful checkpoint in the hierarchy towards the $1 million Godolphin Mile (G2)
Tactically, a genuine tempo looks likely, with several runners comfortable racing prominently. Fitness, balance around the Meydan bends, and the ability to quicken off a solid pace should prove decisive, especially for those returning from layoffs.
El Nasseeb (centre) defeats Colour Up, Mufasa and Dark Saffron in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint on December 5 at Meydan
The second Group contest on the card, the Dubawi Stakes, serves as a key trial for the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). Although dual winner Tuz is a notable absentee, the 1200-metre dirt sprint remains strong. El Nasseeb, who represents the UAE championship-winning Oasis Stables of Emirati handler Musabbeh Al Mheiri, arrives off a Listed win over Colour Up, Mufasa and Dark Saffron, but connections of several rivals expect a very different outcome this time.
Mufasa’s trainer Bhupat Seemar believes his runner will improve sharply after a first run that did not go to plan, and even went so far as to say, ‘he could be the next Tuz, he’s got speed and also the stamina for seven furlongs.”
Bhupat Seemar’s Six Speed is one of the leading contenders in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial sponsored by Churchill Downs. – Photo ERA
Dark Saffron, a former Golden Shaheen hero, had troublesome gate issues last time and is expected to be far more competitive if breaking cleanly.
“He’s good,” reported trainer Ahmad bin Harmash. “Last time he had problems in the gate, so if everything goes right this time, we expect a good run.”
Historically, this race has produced elite sprinters such as Reynoaldothewizard, Switzerland and Tuz, underlining its importance on the calendar.
The undercard is rich in depth and opportunity. The Jumeirah Stakes over 1400 metres on turf brings together a large, competitive field that includes Do Or Do Not, Power For Power, and British raider Callahan, who arrives off a strong Kempton win and is viewed as a filly with significant upside.
Guineas trial highlights rising
The UAE Guineas Trial offers another key storyline, with unbeaten debut winner Lino Padrino attempting to confirm his promise ahead of a likely step up to a mile. European challenger Rugby Union is expected to improve on his local debut, though connections concede he remains a work in progress.
Stamina takes centre stage in the closing Zoho Handicap over 2810 metres. Dual-purpose performer Burdett Road begins a potential Middle East campaign aimed toward Saudi Arabia, while Kihavah, second in the Ebor, adds proven staying class to the field.
Two competitive sprint handicaps complete the card, featuring familiar names such as Arabie, Twilight Calls, Run Boy Run and Two Tribes, ensuring early pace and betting intrigue.
Carnival context
The New Year opener at Meydan blends depth, variety and narrative. From elite milers and Shaheen hopefuls to Classic prospects and emerging stayers, the eight-race programme offers an early-season snapshot of the talent pool building toward World Cup night.
