The exciting Algiers is just one of the star turns as Meydan Racecourse hosts five Group races on a superb Dubai World Cup Carnival card on Friday.

The feature race is G2 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Presented by Emaar), a prep for the Dubai World Cup, which Moon Ballad in 2003 and Thunder Snow in 2018 won on route to success in the big one. A strong field of nine run this time, including Group 1 winners Salute The Soldier, First Constitution and Atletico El Culano. Taking them on is the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers (pictured), who bolted up by six and a half lengths in Round 1, over a mile, a month ago.

“We’re extremely pleased with the way Algiers won Round I in such good style,” said Ed Crisford. “He’s really taken to the dirt well and racing and training on it last year stood him in good stead.

“He’s a gelding, which has helped him, but he’s turned into a proper dirt horse. He’s stepping up to 1900metres but that shouldn’t be a problem as he’s quite versatile and has won from a mile to a mile and a half. He’s a Shamardal out of a Platini mare, so there’s plenty of stamina on the dam’s side. If he can overcome the draw [8] and get a good position then I’m sure he’ll run another very good race.”