Dubai: Saeed Bin Surour has named Benbatl as one of his horses to follow this season and the Godolphin handler is hoping his faith in the Dubawi colt is justified when he runs in the Singspiel Stakes, the supporting feature on the opening day of the Carnival.

The four-year-old, who won the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot in June last year, takes on fellow Godolphin colt Emotionless in what looks a mouth-watering renewal of the 1,800metre turf contest, an early prep for the $6 million (Dh22 million) Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup night.

Bin Surour said: “I’ve always liked Benbatl. Although he ran with credit in races like the Epsom Derby (5th) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (5th), I believe that he’s a horse that is yet to fulfil his potential.

“He’s fresh and working well and is ready to run a big race. It looks a strong renewal but we’re hopeful. The nine furlongs might be a little bit short but it looks a nice race to start him off in.

“He’s maturing and looks a bigger and stronger horse. His work has been encouraging, but t’s all up to him and how well he runs on Thursday.”

Emotionless is the international favourite and Charlie Appleby said of the five-year-old son of Shamardal: “(He’s) a natural talent who I expect to relish a step up in trip.

“He was gelded last year. I was pleased with his third on his first run back, and his run in the Singspiel Stakes will be of great interest.

Three winners from the same opening card 12 months ago return to defend their crowns, headed by Mike de Kock-trained Light The Lights in the Singspiel Stakes, Ertijaal, one of the world’s top turf sprinters owner by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, who runs in Longines Ladies La Grande Classique Handicap – Turf and Golden Wood in the concluding Longines Gents La Grande Classique Handicap on Turf

In the evening’s third race, the 1900m Longines Conquest Classic handicap), the Watson-trained Etijaah will take on the likes of Group 2 winner Frankyfourfingers, Argentine Group 1 winner Saltarin Dubai and multiple American Grade 1-winning sprinter Wild Dude.

Mike De Kock’s South African Group 1 winner Noah From Goa looks the one to beat in the Longines Moon Phase Master Collection handicap where he takes on a Godolphin quartet headed by Group 1-placed Steady Pace.

The international flavour is evident with runners from England, Ireland, Norway, Bahrain and South Africa.