Dubai: The Dubai Duty Free (Group 1) has traditionally rivalled the Dubai World Cup (Group 1) in terms of star-appeal and once more it has assembled a breathtaking cast of turf specialists who will compete for a staggering purse of $5 million (Dh18.36 million).
The fact that there is no clear favourite adds more mystique and fizz to a contest that has been won in recent year's by champions from the UAE, South Africa, Japan, England and Australia.
Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour has won the race the most number of times (4), but not since Rhythm Band in 2000. However, the Emirati handler appears to have a strong chance of recapturing the trophy with Mendip, once considered as his main Dubai World Cup hope but now a leading contender for the Duty Free.
A four-year-old son of Harlan's Holiday, Mendip makes his Turf debut having won four out of five races on the All-Weather, including the Burj Nahar (Group 3) on his most recent start. But Bin Surour is far from troubled.
"I think he will be fine switching to turf.
He has won two Group Three races over a mile here in Dubai this year and I think the nine furlongs of the Dubai Duty Free will suit him.
"I am happy Mendip is drawn seven — he has the speed to take any position from that stall. He came back in good shape from his last race, is ready to go again and should run well."
Godolphin will also be represented by Arlington Million (Group 1) winner Debussy, who is prepared by Mahmoud Al Zarouni. The five-year-old son of Dieses reverts to the grass after a disappointing run in the Maktoum Challenge Round Three and Al Zarooni remarks: "When we raced Debussy first time out he was really fresh and found himself in front which does not suit him. He has improved since that race."
The duo take on 14 rivals trained in an assortment of countries including America, Australia, Bahrain, England, France, Hong Kong, Qatar, South Africa and the UAE. Among them is Presvis, no stranger to winning the Dubai and who will be seeking to atone for his 11th-place finish in last year's Dubai Duty Free.
The seven-year-old son of Sakhee is trained by the illustrious Luca Cumani in England who is seeking a maiden success on the big night.
"The draw is irrelevant to him as he is going to be last out of the stalls, but I hope, with luck in running, that he will have every chance," Cumani said.
Three-time British champion jockey Ryan Moore has partnered Presvis to his last six wins, including the four in Dubai, and will be in the irons again on Saturday.
Other notable rivals include the Michael Bell-trained Wigmore Hall, who won a thrilling Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday and Bankable, a runner-up in last year's Duty Free and an impressive winner of the unusual prep race in the six-furlong Mahab Al Shimaal (Group 3) on Tapeta.
Mike De Kock scored back-to-back wins in 2003-04 with Ipe Tompe and Right Approach and saddles two exciting prospects — Al Fahidi Fort runner-up Riahana, and River Jetex, a convincing winner of the Balanchine (Group 2).
GULF NEWS SELECTIONS
- A: Mendip
- B: Presvis
- C: Better Than Ever
- Upset: River Jetez
