Firebreak Stakes pits Muntazah against Capezzano and Quip in red-hot battle
Muntazah, who won this race last year, looks the one to beat, although 2018 winner Heavy Metal and Creek Mile winner Secret Ambition are among several formidable rivals.
It is highlighted by the Group 3 $200,000 Firebreak Stakes, which could feasibly produce starters for the $12 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) and the $1.5 million Godolphin Mile sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City—District One (G2), as well as the Group 2 $250,000 Balanchine for turf fillies—a last stop in restricted company before a possible tilt against the boys in the $6 million Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (G1).
A stakes-worthy 1200m dirt handicap that could produce starters for $2.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) tops an undercard flush with Dubai World Cup night implications. The evening features runners from eight countries and has a first race post time of 6:30 pm.
Ten will face the starter in the dirt feature, the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes, which appears a ‘triple threat’ tag team match between two power-yards of the UAE, Red Stables of Doug Watson and Fazza Stables of Salem Bin Ghadayer. Watson will unleash UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s defending champion and 1600m track record holder Muntazah, who exits a nine-length fourth last out in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (G2) over this trip.
Said effort was eerily similar to last year’s third by 10 lengths in the same race, which was then followed by a 4½-length gallop in this race over Satish Seemar-trained Secret Ambition, who also returns in this spot off a head loss in Round 1.
Watson also unveils multiple Grade 2 winner Quip in what will be his UAE bow and first start for new owner Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. From 11 starts, he owns four victories, including wins in the 1700m Tampa Bay Derby (G2) of 2018 and 1800m Oaklawn Handicap (G2) of 2019, but exits a pair of poor efforts against top American company last fall. Pat Dobbs picks up the ride from the outside post 10, as Sheikh Hamdan’s contract rider Jim Crowley once again pilots Muntazah (post six).
Rounding out the Watson trio is hard-charging longshot Thegreatcollection, who must improve to factor here under Sam Hitchcott, but drew a ground-saving rail post.
Ghadayer brings the top-rated horse to run all card in 2019 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (G1) winner Capezzano (117), who makes his first start since flopping as the favourite in the Dubai World Cup.
A five-time winner from 15 starts, he twice won at this trip last year—in dominant fashion each time—and has lofty goals this season if successful Thursday evening. He will not have to go far to see his presumed toughest rival in Muntazah, as he is drawn immediately outside him in post six.
The second of two Group 2 turf races restricted to fillies and mares during the DWC Carnival, the 1800m Balanchine has attracted a field of eight, seven of whom contested the 1600m Group 2 Cape Verdi four weeks ago. Chief among those is Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby-trained Magic Lily, who won in dramatic style over Team Valor International’s French invader Nisreen in the last jump.
Ridden by James Doyle on that occasion, the blue-blooded homebred 5-year-old New Approach mare will be the choice of William Buick this time and should appreciate the increase in trip, being that her dam Dancing Rain won the Investec Oaks (G1), Preis der Diana/German Oaks (G1) and British Champions Fillies and Mares (G1) all over 2400m.
Doyle, on the other hand, picks up the mount on stablemate Divine Image, winner of last year’s UAE Oaks (G3) and Al Bastakiya (Listed)—the latter over males—both at 1900m on dirt. Only once tested on turf, she has given her connections confidence.
Thursday’s card of racing kicks off with Purebred Arabian Group 2 action in the Mazrat Al Ruwayah, which is contested over 1600m on dirt and was won last year by AF Al Sajanjle.
The 7-year-old returns this season for trainer Ernst Oertel and owner-breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda and will again be partnered by leading jockey Tadhg O’Shea.
If victorious again, the grey charge must improve upon three losses this season, but had entered last year’s event in similar form before proving a tough customer to pass for his rivals.
Runner-up in the course and distance Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 on his penultimate start, Cheik Roque appears primed for a top effort for EERC (Emirates Entertainment Racing Club) and Erwan Charpy. The late-running grey was seventh last out over 1900m, so a cut back in trip may suit his style. Still, he must make up the 9½ lengths by which AF Al Sajanjle routed him last year, when second.
Al Maktoum Challenge R1 of 2019 winner Wadeeaa must be respected as the top-rated (116) in this spot for Al Wathba Racing. Meanwhile, RB Lam Tara, winner of half her eight career starts for Eric Lemartinel and Sheikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Al Nahyan, makes her dirt debut after winning the Group 3 Al Ruwais Stakes at Abu Dhabi on Jan.26.
Sophomores clash in the first turf race for 3-year-olds over a significant distance of ground in the Meydan Trophy over 1900m, with a 900m run into the first and only turn. Twice a dirt disappointment this season, Godolphin’s First View switches back to the sod for Saeed Bin Suroor and appears one of the obvious players here, but he must contend with eye-catching local turf maiden winner Al Mukhtar Star, a well-related son of Lemon Drop Kid.
