Zabeel Trophy the highlight of stacked Sunday card

12 months ago it was Godolphin who landed the Zabeel Trophy (Presented by Azizi) and history could repeat on Sunday when the ‘boys in blue’ send out Sovereign Prince for the AED120,000 contest.

Aiming to follow in the hoofprints of 2022 winner Path Of Thunder, Sovereign Prince faces seven rivals over the 1600metre turf course and the Charlie Appleby-trainee looks the one to beat. Two from two at Meydan including the Listed Jumeirah Classic, he was last seen finishing fifth in the Saudi Derby, so resumes here after a break. Among his rivals are Alkaamel, fourth on dirt last time out but just as adept on turf, and his Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained stablemate Zainhom, a Listed winner over this course.

The second most valuable race on the card is the Riviera by Azizi Handicap, over 1200metres on turf, which sees the return of South African Listed winner Celtic Voyager. Campaigned last year by Mike De Kock, the six-year-old will be one of three runners on the card for newly licensed Emirati handler Mohammad Mardood.

“All the horses are in great shape and form ahead of Sunday,” said the trainer of his trio. “Celtic Voyager had a good summer in the UAE which has helped him shape up for this race.”

A competitive race sees plenty in with chances, including the Bhupat Seemar-trained trio of Rayig, a winner at Jebel Ali just last week, Leading Spirit and Dukedom. Doug Watson also has a strong hand, sending out Cairn Island, the mount of Pat Dobbs, Bawaasil and Mcmanaman.

Switching to the turf for the first time in a year is Madkhal, a three-time dirt winner. The Fawzi Nass-trained gelding runs for the third time this season.

“Madkhal always needs a run or two, so I think after Jebel Ali he should be fit enough this time,” said jockey Adrie De Vries. “He never runs a race at Jebel Ali, so you can scratch that form, and I think he can go close on Sunday.”

The three-year-old Creek Views by Azizi Maiden, race two, over the 1400metre dirt course, has a field of ten, many of whom will be hoping to earn a spot in the UAE 2000 Guineas. Nass saddles an interesting pair in Go Soldier Go, an eye-catching third on debut, and Sharar, who finished one spot behind his stablemate.

“Go Soldier Go has improved since his last run,” said De Vries. “The only worry is the distance. I would have liked to see him go a mile or further, but there’s not so many options and we want to get some experience into him, so we have to go there. The good thing is that there’s only ten runners, so maybe I can stay in touch and he won’t have so much to make up.”

De Vries also rides Runaholic in the opening Park Avenue by Azizi Maiden, over 1400metres on turf. Previously trained in the UK by George Scott, the three-year-old has finished second on three of his four starts so far.

“Runaholic is a nice little horse, ready to go, and he’s got a good draw, so I think he will have a good shot,” said De Vries of the gelding, who is one of three in the race for Nass, who also sends out his own Shake Hand, well-beaten on dirt last time, as well as debutant Smart System, a son of The Factor.

Mardood saddles two in the race; the ex-Roger Charlton-trained Chef De Partie having the assistance of jockey Richie Mullen, while Game Master, an AED35,000 September Racing In Dubai Sale purchase out of the Saeed Bin Suroor yard, will be ridden by Royston Ffrench.

“Chef De Partie runs for the first time at seven furlongs [1400metres],” said Mardood. “He’s a horse with great attributes and there are many winners in his family.”

The Blue Stables trainer added of Game Master: “We bought him from the Racing In Dubai Sale. Both his sire and his dam won over seven furlongs and I believe he has the ability to do the same.”

Four last time out winners clash in the very competitive Reve by Azizi Handicap, race five, with maiden winner Barq Al Emarat stepping up to this mile trip for the first time, while Falsehood will aim to repeat his course and distance win from two months ago.

The closing race, the 1900metre turf Mina By Azizi Handicap, also looks a tricky one for Pick Six players, with a full field of 16 including recent winners Untold Secret and City King. De Vries partners Kanood, who is yet to win on turf, but did run a good race when third over 2410metres three weeks ago.

“Kanood is in good form, but he’s going back in trip and he’s always slowly away so that could be a concern,” said the rider.

The card gets underway at 6pm, with General Admission starting at AED2 and hospitality available from AED265. Tickets and more information via dubairacingclub.com