Dubai: Canadian Grade 1 scorer Sheikhzayedroad carries Dubai’s hopes in what looks like a very classy renewal of the Group 1 £1.3 million (Dh7.63 million) Qipco Champion Stakes, the highlight of Qipco British Champions Day, the richest raceday in the country.
An impressive winner of the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1) at Woodbine, Canada in September, Sheikhzayedroad represents Dubai businessman Mohammad Jaber in the 2,000m contest, which has attracted some top contenders including 2011 winner Cirrus Des Aigles, Group 3 victor Free Eagle and Noble Mission, a full-brother to the great Frankel who won this race in 2012.
Other notable runners including triple Group 1 winner Al Kazeem, Cumberland Lodge Stakes (G3) victor Pether’s Moon and 2013 Epsom Derby sensation Ruler Of The World.
On his most recent UK start, Sheikhzayedroad beat Secret Gesture and Windhoek in a blistering three-horse finish in the Group 3 York Stakes.
David Simcock’s ward raced four times at this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival, winning first up in a handicap before progressing to the Group 1 Dubai Gold Cup where he finished fifth behind Certerach on Dubai World Cup night.
Irish great Dermot Weld, who saddled two winners at Champions Day in 2012 (Rite Of Passage and Sapphire), sends out the promising Free Eagle.
The three-year-old High Chaparral colt made a big impression when winning the Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown last month and the trainer said: “Free Eagle is very well, in really good form.
“I am not concerned about the quality of my horse, I am convinced that he is up to this class.”
Two Dubai-owned horses, Mustajeeb and Night Of Thunder, are set to go head-to-head in the mile Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
The former represents Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, while Night Of Thunder, who is the ante-post favourite, races in the colours of Dubai businessman Saeed Manana.
Charm Spirit, who has won four from five this season, Queen Anne Stakes (G1) scorer Toronado and Integral, the Famlouth (G1) and Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) victor, add value to the glittering mile event.
Champions Day opens with the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, where two former Gold Cup winners, Leading Light (2014) and The Queen’s Estimate (2013) feature.
G Force, a top-class sprinter and winner of the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, heads the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.
