The Group 3 Ras Al Khor (sponsored by Azizi) was only established in 2022 but it has quickly become an important spot on the calendar for 1400metre specialists, 10 of whom line up in pursuit of the AED510,000 first prize on Friday.
The race features an intriguing re-match between Marbaan and Mysterious Night, first and second in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort on 24 January, while fourth home Andreas Vasalius also joins the party.
“Marbaan is all good, he looks a picture,” said trainer Michael Costa. “Almost a carbon copy of his last start; weight’s the same, bloods are perfect, everything’s good. This has always been his second target race.”
Godolphin’s Mysterious Night had an international 2024, running in Dubai, Saudi and the USA, so his Al Fahidi Fort run was his first in more than six months.
“We were pleased with Mysterious Night in the Al Fahidi Fort, when he got a little tired on his return from a layoff, and he goes into this in great order,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “We are taking on Marbaan again, although I feel that our horse will be the one to beat if he brings his A game.”
The second most valuable race is the Burj Azizi Handicap, race seven, over 1600metres on turf. A full field of 16 includes dual Group 1 winner Alfareeq, for Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Jim Crowley, who takes a big drop in grade after finishing sixth to Romantic Warrior in the G1 Jebel Hatta last time out.
His rivals include the popular Silver Sword, who has his fifth run of the Carnival. The quirky grey finished fourth in the Lord Glitters Handicap two starts ago, before struggling when last seen.
