Godolphin trio seek Nad Al Sheba Trophy spoils

Red Galileo, Natural Scenery and Rare Rhythm go for glory in the leading contest for stayers during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the 14-furlong G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, on turf at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, March 1. 

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained pair of Red Galileo (Pat Cosgrave) and Natural Scenery (Gerald Mosse), both by Dubawi, have already faced each other twice in turf handicaps at this year’s Carnival. 

Red Galileo finished a place behind his stable companion when taking fourth over 14 furlongs on January 25, but turned round the form to be a close third in a two-mile contest on 15 February, with Natural Scenery fifth. 

Progressive six-year-old Rare Rhythm (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), also by Dubawi, makes his seasonal return after winning on both his starts in 2017. He followed up victory in the 12-furlong Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot in June with success in a 14-furlong Listed race at York the following month. 

The field of 11 for the Nad Al Sheba Trophy includes multiple G1 winner Vazirabad and Prince Of Arran, who edged out Red Galileo when scoring at Meydan on 15 February. 

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Red Galileo ran well last time and I am hoping for another good run from him, although it will very tough to beat a horse like Vazirabad. 

“Natural Scenery was a little disappointing on her latest start, but came out of that race well and is ready to go. I am looking for a better performance from her this time.” 

Please see a separate story for Charlie Appleby’s thoughts on Rare Rhythm.

Thursday’s feature race on the dirt is the G3 UAE Oaks, in which Winter Lightning (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave) bids to follow up an impressive victory in the mile Listed UAE 1,000 Guineas on 8 February. The latest news on Winter Lightning will be posted tomorrow.

She is joined in the extended nine-furlong contest by Expressiy (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), who finished third behind Winter Lightning in both the UAE 1,000 Guineas and the seven-furlong UAE Guineas Trial on 18 January. 

Charlie Appleby declared: “Expressiy has progressed with each run in Dubai and the step up in trip is going to suit her. We feel that she has done well since she ran in the UAE 1,000 Guineas and she should be closer to the two fillies that beat her.”

Three-year-old colts Zaman (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), runner-up in the G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, UK, last year, and Racing Country (Saeed bin Suroor/Gerald Mosse), a son of Dubawi who is drawn eight of the 14 runners, go for glory in the mile Listed Meydan Classic on turf. 

Charlie Appleby remarked: “Zaman has come forward since his second in the trial for this race (17 February) and he will appreciate racing over a mile, while he also has a better draw in stall three this time.” 

Saeed bin Suroor commented: “Racing History has been disappointing so far out in Dubai and hasn’t been showing a lot on the racecourse this year. We are giving him a final chance at the Carnival and I hope he can run a better race.”

Four-year-old Dubawi colt Don’t Give Up (Christophe Soumillon), unbeaten in two Carnival appearances so far this season, goes for a third straight handicap victory over 10 furlongs on dirt for Saeed bin Suroor, who is also represented in the same race by course and distance winner Alabaster (Pat Cosgrave) – third to Don’t Give Up on his last two starts. 

Mountain Hunter (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave) has also been in winning form at Meydan this year, readily winning a 10-furlong turf handicap on 25 January, and the four-year-old lines up in another turf handicap over the same trip alongside the Charlie Appleby-trained duo of Banksea (William Buick) and Kidmenever (James Doyle). 

The four Godolphin contenders for the seven-furlong handicap on turf include Steady Pace (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave), who steps up in trip after going down by a nose over six furlongs on 1 February. 

Top Score (Saeed bin Suroor/Christophe Soumillon), Van Der Decken (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) and Silver Line (Saeed bin Suroor/Gerald Mosse) all re-oppose after coming home second, third and fifth over the same distance on 17 February.