While the hopes having some Dubai World Cup meeting contenders in Sunday’s Prix d’la Arc De Triomphe (G1) fell through when Spanish Moon, second in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), was declared earlier this week, the weekend has a host of Dubai International Racing Carnival graduates.
Saturday’s Longchamp card is highlighted by the Total Prix de la Foret (G1) over a distance of about seven furlongs. The much improved Balthazaar’s Gift headlines the hopes of Dubai when the son of Xaar goes postward for Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since a February 20 win at Nad Al Sheba, Balthazaar’s Gift has raced four times on his preferred surface (grass) and not been out of the placings, which includes a win in the CGA Hungerford Stakes (G2) at Newbury. The task will be a tall one as the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner, and all around French racing sensation, Goldikova will take her spot in the gate with a weight break over Balthazaar’s Gift. DIRC vets Mariol, Calrissian, and Cat Junior are also in the Prix Foret.
Kachgai, a mindbending longshot DIRC winner on 6 February, holds an entry in Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (G2) on the Foret undercard while Dubai’s Saturday hopes finish with Jebel Hatta (G2) winner Balius. The son of Mujahid is one of 12 to jump off in the Qatar Prix Dollar (G2) over an extended 10.5 furlongs. Now racing for Godolphin, Balius comes into the Prix Dollar off an impressive victory in the Anatolia Trophy (G2) at Istanbul’s Veliefendi Racecourse.
On Friday, three Carnival goers will take their chances in the Diamond Stakes (G3) at Dundalk over the synthetic surface. While Aidan O’Brien trainee Mastercraftsman is using the race as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, several others who have UAE passport stamps will look to take the prize. 2008 Jebel Hatta (G2) winner Lord Admiral is set for the Diamond along with 2009 Carnival placers Big Robert and Fiery Lad.
Eva’s Request, a 2009 Carnival starter when third behind Deem in the Cape Verdi (G3) is scheduled to run in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (G1), an event that has been used as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Stateside, the 2007 UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy continues searching for his first win in the US when he goes out as one of seven in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park. Travers winner Summer Bird will be joined by Florida Derby winner Quality Road and Stephen Foster champion Macho Again.