Dubai: Safety Check, who has a fabulous record at Meydan, can supply Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby with his first success at this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival by landing the Group 2 $250,000 (Dh918,250) Al Fahidi Fort on Thursday evening.
The five-year-old posted a hat-trick of wins at the track last season including a comfortable four-length victory in this seven-furlong contest before following it up with another good victory in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile.
Appleby says that the Meydan turf track suits his horse’s style of running and is hoping he can see off his eight rivals and defend his crown in the Al Fahidi Fort.
“Safety Check is in great condition and I have been very pleased with his preparation,” said Appleby, who is based at Godolphin’s Marmoom Desert Stables.
“We were delighted with his run in the Lennox Stakes [Goodwood] and then the ground and course didn’t really suit him in the Park Stakes at Doncaster. I think he is better around a turn and he is a typical son of Dubawi, in that he looks to be coming back stronger as a five-year-old.
“We would like to think he is the one to beat in a race he obviously won last year.”
The strongest hand numerically is held by Carnival powerhouse Mike de Kock, who send out four runners as he seeks a seventh success in the race and first since Anaerobio triumphed in 2014.
A durable eight-year-old bred in Argentina, Anaerobio warmed up for a shot at this race with an eye-catching fourth place effort behind Ghammer three weeks ago.
“We were very pleased with that return run. With a clear run he would probably have been second and he has been a great Carnival campaigner over a few years now, winning this race in 2014 being his obvious highlight,” said De Kock, who has saddled a whopping 141 winners at the Carnival. “
“He is eight now but clearly in good heart and should run well.”
The South African trainer also saddles Royal Ridge, Mastermind and Tellina.
South Africa are also represented by 2014 champion colt Harry’s Son, who marks trainer Paul Lafferty’s Carnival debut.
Winner of the Greyville’s Group 1 Premier’s Champions Stakes, who hails from the family of Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Miss Clipper,
He was lightly raced last year but landed the Group 2 Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on his return to action last February.
Obviously a horse with a lot of class Harry’s Son may have to prove his race fitness following his long absence from the track.
However, he hasreportedly settled in well to his new home at the International Stables following a five month journey to Dubai, via Mauritius, and is fit and ready to run a big race.
The local challenge is led by Ali Rashid Al Raihe’s course and distance winner Ghaamer and the Doug Watson-trained newcomer Zarwaan.
The third meeting of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, sponsored by Meydan Sobha features six other races for Thoroughbred horses, with three contests taking place on the Meydan turf track.
Recent winners
Al Fahidi Fort (G2) 1600m
2015 SAFETY CHECK W Buick C Appleby
2014 ANAEROBIO C Soumillon M de Kock
2013 MUSHREQ P Hanagan M de Kock
2012 VISCOUNT NELSON K Shea M de Kock
2011 DERBAAS R Hills A Al Raihe
GN Selections
Race Horse
1. 1. Zephuros; 2. Etijaah.
2. 1. Stepper Point; 2. Roicead.
3. 1. Let’s Go; 2. Footbridge.
4. 1. Safety Check; 2. Anaerobio.
5. 1.
