Mahbooba eyes glory

Dubai - Mahbooba, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, spearheads Mike De Kock’s charge in the Group Two Cape Verdi, the highlight of the fifth race-meeting of the Dubai World Cup Carnival

Mahbooba, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, spearheads Mike De Kock’s charge in the Group Two Cape Verdi, the highlight of the fifth race-meeting of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at the iconic Meydan racecourse on Friday afternoon. The turf event is contested over a mile with eight highly regarded fillies and mares lining up for honours.

Having impressed on seasonal debut after winning as she liked in the 1800m Al Rashidiya Trial over course and distance two weeks ago, the case may not be the same for the four-year-old Galileo’s filly when she faces the challenge of her European counterparts.

Champion trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe saddles top British mare, First City under Royston Ffrench on her first appearance in the UAE.

Formerly trained by David Simcock in the United Kingdom, the six-year-old daughter of Dictat finished creditable sixth to Goldikova in the Prix Rothschild (Group 1) at Deauville racecourse last July. Al Raihe appeared confident that she will run well to get the job done.

“She’s in good form and has every chance to strike,” he said. “First City is a Group One raider and hopefully she will handle the firm surface of Meydan nicely,” he added. The other danger is Rhythm of Light, a decent group filly who makes her UAE debut under Kieren Fallon for the UK-based trainer Tom Dascombe. But there’s no doubt that Mahbooba will be the pick-six favourite and South African trainer Mike De Kock said: “The drop in trip is the query but she won over 1600m last year and should cope. She won well last time and has come out of that in great shape and should be very competitive.”

Lyssio, James Doyle up, makes a quick return to the track in the 2200m Handicap openining race on the card after finishing close second in a similar trip last time out and should make it a winning reappearance for trainer Michael Attwater. In the second race, a 2000m Handicap, top weight Mr Brook will be hard to beat under regular partner Kevin Shea.

Mike De Kock is double handed in the third race, an 1800m turf handicap which attracted eight runners going to post. The mount of Christophe Soumillon, Mutahadee is destined to battle it out to the wire against stable companion Viscount Nelson in a head-to-head fight.

Singapore is strongly represented by Captain Obvious who will be an obvious public choice to win the 1200m A/W Sprint Handicap from local contender Alo Pura.

In the final race, a 1600m turf handicap, Mike De Kock’s duo, Disa Leader and Anarebio are the two front runners for the trophy.

KT Selections: 1. Lyssio/ Mantoba 2. Mr Brook/ Bronze Cannon 3. Viscount Nelson/ Mutahadee 4. Captain Obvious/ Alo Pura 5. First City/ Mahbooba 6. Disa Leader/ Anaerobio Day’s best: Captain Obvious

• Dubai