Dubai Meydan’s matinee card, sponsored by Meydan Sobha, could provide a stepping stone to the Dubai World Cup Carnival for a select group of runners, headed by Godolphin’s new recuit Udododontu.

Formerly trained by Richard Guest in the UK, the four-year-old runs in the concluding Meydan Sobha Trophy, one of two exciting turf contests on the six-race card.

Harry Bentley, who will be partnering him for his new trainer, Saeed Bin Surour said: “He is a nice horse and hopefully a good addition to the yard,” said Bentley. “He has been working well and, although he will improve for the outing, is certainly ready for a run.”

The other turf handicap is the 1200m District One Mansions Handicap, won last year by George Buckell aboard the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained, Kanaf.

The pair combine this year with Modern History on whom Buckell won a 1600m handicap at Al Ain on his most recent outing.

“He won well last time and is at least as good on turf,” said Buckell. “He has plenty of early speed so hopefully will be able to cope with the drop in trip and run a big race.”

Al Muhairi also saddles two runners for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

Stable jockey Paul Hanagan elects to ride Taayel with Fernando Jara on Ebn Arab.

Opposing is the Watson-trained Charlie Croker under Pat Dobbs and he should appreciate returning to turf after just one previous UAE run at Jebel Ali.

“He is a nice horse and we are very pleased with his work,” said Watson. “We think he has a decent chance in a competitive race.”

Al Raihe and O’Shea are represented by Days Of Conquest, well beaten last time when he was never able to get competitive after a slow start.

“You can ignore his last run,” said O’Shea. ‘He is much better than that and this looks a good chance for him to show his true colours.”

South African trainer, Mike de Kock adds further intrigue to the card, saddling two runners in the opening 1900m maiden with Baroot and Wayne Smith appearing to hold stronger credentials than Jununee under Dane O’Neill.

“Baroot ran well over 1400m last time,” said De Kock. “If he stays this far he will go close.

“Jununee has yet to show us much.”