The Dubai Racing Carnival launches into high gear with a formidable ten-race card at Meydan this Friday, headlined by the prestigious Cape Verdi (Group 2). This historic race, a traditional litmus test for elite turf fillies, sets the stage for the division’s championship pursuits and often serves as a direct precursor to Group 1 glory.
All eyes are on Godolphin’s legendary trainer Saeed bin Suroor as he pursues a record-extending sixth victory in the event. From his operational base in Al Quoz, the eight-time Carnival Leading Trainer saddles a formidable duo. Dubai Treasure steps up in distance following an eighth-place finish in the Listed Ertijal Dubai Dash, with Bin Suroor emphasizing the importance of her finding a relaxed rhythm over the mile. Her stablemate, Dubai Beach, enters on the back of a narrow head defeat in the Jebel Ali Port Handicap, a performance that convinced her trainer she belongs at this competitive level.
However, the path to victory is obstructed by a formidable international challenge. The field is significantly raised by the presence of Quid Pro Quo, a dual South African Group 1 winner now trained in France by Jerome Reynier. After a preparatory run on Deauville’s Polytrack, her connections are optimistic a return to turf will showcase her top-class credentials. The international flair is further enhanced by veteran campaigner Riyabovka, making her Meydan debut for Nicolas Caullery, and Capitana Bling, who provides Norwegian trainer Silja Storen with her first Dubai runner.
The supporting feature is the AED400,000 Cocoa Beach Stakes, a dirt contest for three-year-old fillies where Labwah, victorious in the Shahama Stakes, is tipped to appreciate the extended distance. The card concludes with a truly global handicap, the Vazirabad, featuring contenders from five different nations, including Group 1 winner Claymore for Jane Chapple-Hyam.