Kick-off of the Dubai Racing Carnival

Meydan, Friday, 6 January: The Dubai Racing Carnival begins today at the racecourse in Meydan and will continue until March.

The first highlight is the Dubawi Stakes (3rd race/16.10 h/150,000 $/1200 m/Dirt), which belongs to Group 3 and is run over sand. Switzerland (Tadhg O`Shea), last victorious on World Cup day in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group 1), is seen well in front but has two serious opponents ahead of him in the form of Mouheeb (Jean Van Overmeire), who showed up here a few weeks ago, and the underperforming Tuz (Richard Mullen). Mubakker (Dane O`Neill) is considered a track specialist and should not be missed in any consideration.

The first round to the Al Maktoum Challenge (5th race/17.20pm/250,000 $/1600m/turf) favours Prince Eiji (Sam Hitchcott). He was a commanding winner over Danyah (Dane O`Neill) at Listed level on his last appearance on 1 December and recommended himself for bigger assignments. Desert Wisdom (Adrie de Vries) is still well remembered as runner-up in the Godolphin Mile (Group 2). Prior to that, he won the Burj Nahaar (Group 3) against horses under order in the Dubawi Stakes. Algiers (James Doyle) most recently impressed when second in the Churchill Stakes (Listed race) at Lingfield. Doscovery Island (Antonio Fresu) delivered only good performances last season, should not disappoint after the break.

In the Al Fahidi Fort (6th race/5.55pm/180,000 $/1400m), the hosts` dominance is felt through Noble Truth (William Buick) and Al Suhail (James Doyle). The former was last victorious in the Jersey Stakes (Group 3). His stablemate placed behind the eventual Group 1 winner Kinross in the Park Stakes (Group 2), among others. Alfareeq (Dane O`Neill) was second in a List race in Abu Dhabi. Fast Raaj (Maxime Guyon) currently won a Black Type race in Deauville.