By Heather Anderson
Friday's Meydan card is anchored by the AED700,000 G3 Dubai Millennium S. over 2000 metres on grass, and Jessica Harrington sends out Group 2 heroine Trevaunance (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) to face the boys, which includes a strong challenge by Godolphin.
The first runner for Moyglare Stud in the UAE, the G2 Prix de la Nonette winner ran second to India (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Preis von Europa last out at Cologne in September. She carries only 121 pounds in the eight-horse field, anywhere from three to six pounds less than her rivals.
“Trevaunance has travelled over to Dubai very well and Zara, her rider, has been delighted with her,” said Kate Harrington, the trainer's daughter and assistant. “Shane [Foley, jockey] sat on her this morning [Wednesday] and was very happy with how she was.”
G3 Gordon S. winner New London (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has been gelded since running second at listed level in September, and Bahraini stakes winner Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) are ridden by William Buick and Michael Barzalona, respectively.
“We are hoping that dropping back to a mile and a quarter is going to suit New London,” said trainer Charlie Appleby of the Godolphin pair. “This race has always been the plan for him and, if you take the best of his 3-year-old form, he looks a serious contender.
“Warren Point proved what he could do in Bahrain and Qatar last year. He has wintered out in Dubai for a couple of years without actually running at Meydan, but I think the trip and track will suit.”
Supporting Cast Anchored By Dubai Sprint
The AED500,000 Listed Dubai Sprint attracted a strong field of 14, and 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) returns after running fourth in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash in December.
“Mischief Magic came out of the Ertijaal Dubai Dash well and coming back to six furlongs should play to his strengths,” said trainer Charlie Appleby of the Godolphin runner.
The one-for-one Nadelia (Fr) (Spanish Moon) will attempt to emulate subsequent dual top-level scorer and G1 1000 Guineas heroine Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) in the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic. In the male equivalent, the Jumeirah Guineas also over 1400 metres of turf, Team Valor International's Shamrock Glitter (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}) squares off against Godolphin's Legend Of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) once more after running second to that foe at the beginning of January over this course and distance.
“She's a [half-]sister to [Group 1 winner] King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) and we do like her, that's why we've brought her to Dubai,” said assistant trainer Marine Henry of Nadelia, who is trained by her husband, Nicolas Caullery. “She did a piece of work really well last week and we're looking forward to her race.”
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