This evening’s seventh meeting of the 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival is a quality one, including a triple header of Thoroughbred Group stakes races.
This is headed by the Gr2 Meydan Sprint, the Gr2 Balanchine and the Gr3 Firebreak Stakes.
All eyes will be on Godolphin’s heavily favoured Blue Point in the Gr2 Meydan Sprint, one of the few Thoroughbred features the owners are yet to win, as he bids to go one better than when chasing home the late Ertijaal in the 1000m turf dash 12 months ago.
In fact, trainer Charlie Appleby has finished second in the last five Meydan Sprint renewals with Jungle Cat (2017, 2016) and Ahtoug (2015, 2014) rounding out the quintet of close calls.
A 5-year-old gelded son of Shamardal, Blue Point went to post as the market favourite in the subsequent 1200m turf Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Azizi Developments (G1) on Dubai World Cup day, but that was as far as he got, as a trickle of nostril blood necessitated withdrawal at the gate on veterinary advice. Then well beaten in Hong Kong after an eventful shipping, he returned to Europe and his very best form to win the 1000m Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot before disappointing in the 1200m July Cup. His most recent outing was a third in the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) at York in August.
“The plan has always been to go to the Al Quoz Sprint via just this race,” Appleby said. “He ran very well in this last year and seems in similar form at home as he was 12 months ago, so hopefully he will run well, but will certainly improve for the run.”
The aforementioned dual Meydan Sprint winner Ertijaal carried the colours of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as did 2016 winner Fityaan, with the owner seeking a fourth consecutive victory in the race. Among the select field of seven he has two representatives, both trained internationally. Following a similar path to Ertijaal, who won the 1000m Turf handicap on opening night three times, Faatinah will bid to post his third Carnival win at the hands of the Australian Hayes’ stable.
The owner’s second chance, Mujaafy, is in the capable hands of Mike de Kock, seeking a third win in this race, having landed it with Shea Shea in both 2013 and 2014.
De Kock also saddles Janoobi (3rd race) and Astronomer (7th race).
