The eight-race, $1.31 million Dubai World Cup Carnival card at Meydan Racecourse features the most exciting matchup of the UAE season thus far, as well as the return of one of the top-rated turf horses in the world. Two Group 2 affairs top the night, while the classic generation on both surfaces will get its chance to shine and Group 1 Purebred Arabians clash to kick off the evening. A trio of super-competitive handicaps add depth to the night and the entirety of the meeting is sponsored by pillar partner Longines.
Race 6 —Group 2 $350,000 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 (1600m)
The rematch so many have been awaiting, as Satish Seemar-trained defending champ North America clashes with course record holder Muntazah, from the yard of Doug Watson. North America is unseen since finishing seventh in the $12 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), while Muntazah bounced like a rubber ball in the Godolphin Mile (G2) after scorching the track record in Super Saturday’s Burj Nahaar (G3). North America is rated 118, second-highest of any dirt horse in Dubai, while Muntazah is 116. Even more intriguing in this octet of competitors is that Muntazah drew the rail under Jim Crowley and Richie Mullen must break from the outside post eight on North America. Both appear to do their best running while freewheeling on the pace.
Kimbear, also from the Watson yard, won the 2018 Burj Nahaar (G3) and his conditioner believes he is sitting on a big race now that his troublesome feet are back in order. UAE’s leading trainer also believes that improving campaigner Thegreatcollection is due a little luck and has been progressive enough to be owed a shot in this spot. Pat Dobbs has the mount on the former, while Sam Hitchcott takes the reins on the latter
