Dubai: The Zabeel Mile (G1) is the feature race of Thursday’s Carnival meeting, but the eyes of the racing world are more likely to be riveted on a routine handicap later in the card when 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome prep’s for next month’s $10 million (Dh36.73 million) Dubai World Cup (G1).

A winner of the Kentucky and Preakness Stakes in 2014 ‘Chrome’, as he is affectionately called by his multitude of fans, was beaten in 2 3/4 lengths by Prince Bishop in the race last year, and has returned with a remodelled campaigned in a bid to triumph at the second attempt.

On that occasion, the son of Lucky Pulpit went into the race without a local prep and on the back of a runner-up effort to Shared Belief in the San Antonio Invitational Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. Now with the benefit of hindsight, trainer Art Sherman has sent his stable star earlier to Dubai which has allowed him more time to acclimatise to the conditions, and even have the luxury of a lenient prep race.

“Coming in early has allowed Chrome to settle in, which he had done brilliantly,” Alan Sherman, assistant trainer to his dad, Art, said earlier. “He’s been unbelievable as he’s actually gained 20 pounds in a week. He’s gained more weight and muscle than he ever has and he just looks fabulous.

“It’s going to do a lot of good for Chrome to race over the Meydan dirt track which is just going to be his second race after a long layoff, and we just want to get a good race out of him,” he added.

“Usually a horse is at its peak in his third race after a layoff so come March 26, he should be peaking and ready to run a big race. We want him to be a fresh horse going into the big race. “

Thursday’s race will be the first since Chrome returned from a nine-month layoff in 2015 to publicise his well-being with a convincing victory in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita, California on January 10.

However, a top weight of 60kg will ensure that he carriers 7kg more than any of his seven opponents, although the mighty Curlin carried in this race eight years ago en route to winning the Dubai World Cup.

Regular jockey Victor Espinoza has flown in to Dubai to partner the horse in his prep race and said: “He is carrying a lot of weight, but other than that he is in good shape.”

Saeed Bin Surour’s Good Contact, the Salem Bin Ghadayer-trained Hunting Ground and Storm Belt, to be saddled by Doug Watson, appear the three horses most likely to push the best-price 9/2 ante-post favourite for the March 26 showpiece.

In the evening’s feature race, three-time Dubai World Cup Carnival winner Safety Check will attempt to defend his Zabeel Mile title when he faces nine rivals led by Johann Strauss, beaten two lengths in this race a year ago, and Harry’s Son, who finished just under two lengths in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort last month.

“We said we thought Safety Check was a better horse this year and he won the Al Fahidi Fort well,” said trainer, Charlie Appleby. “He has pleased us since that win and seems in great form.

“The 1600m is as far as he wants to go, but the trip is not a problem around Meydan as he showed winning the Zabeel Mile last year. The style of racing really suits him at Meydan and he looks to have a major chance. Hopefully he is the one the rest have to beat.”

Harry’s Son was a Grade 1 winner over 1600m as a juvenile in South Africa and his trainer Paul Lafferty said of his chances: “We were very pleased with that effort [in the Al Fahidi Fort], It was his first start since March and he has certainly benefited from it.

“He stays 1600m well and we are hoping for a big run.”

Fellow South African, Mike de Kock has won the Mile on three previous occasions and he is well-represented by Johan Strauss and Zahee.

“It looks a good renewal, but both ours are fit and well,” said De Kock. “Zahee was much better last time having disappointed on his return, whereas Johann Strauss is very talented, but has not been straightforward to train.

“He is ready for a run but will improve from it.”

Three runners from the UK add extra intrigue with Fanciful Angel, trained by Marco Botti, seeking a second course and distance victory having won a Meydan handicap four weeks ago, perhaps the best of the trio.

 

GN Selections

Race Horse

1) 1. One Man Band; 2. Giftorm.

2) 1. eNERY, 2. Brabbham.

3) 1. Marking; 2. Kasb.

4) 1. Safety Check; 2. Harry’s Son.

5) 1. Think Ahead; 2. Farraaj.

6) 1. California Chrome; 2. Good Contact.

7) 1. Naadirr; 2. Caspian Prince.

Day’s Best: California Chrome.