Dubai: Having made a strong start to the season, Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby will be hoping his runners can carry on their excellent form by winning the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort, the highlight of the Gulf News-sponsored Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting on Thursday.
Appleby has sent out four winners in two meetings and appears to have genuine claims of ending Godolphin’s long wait for a second success in the 1400m contest with last-outing scorer Fulbright, who will run in the green silks of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Godolphin won the inaugural running of the Al Fahidi Fort, a race which has been dominated by South African-trained horses, with Grazalema in the year 2000.
Since then, South African runners have triumphed on seven occasions, with Mike de Kock being the most successful trainer with four wins, including last year when Viscount Nelson beat Albaasil by half a length.
Fulbright announced himself to be a strong contender for major prizes such as the $250,000 (Dh918,123) Al Fahidi Fort when he stormed home to win a seven-furlong handicap on the Tapeta two weeks ago. The son of Exceed And Excel will have no worries switching to Turf having amassed eight wins on the surface, with his Group Two Dubai Challenge Stakes victory at Newmarket in 2012 being the highpoint of his career.
Assessing his charges’ chances, Appleby said: “Fulbright won nicely last time and it was a good confidence boost for him. He lost his way a little bit last year after a bright start, but he is doing very well mentally and physically at the moment.
“I think that seven furlongs is his optimum trip and I hope that he can run another nice race.”
Fulbright will without doubt have to be at the top of his game given the strength of the 13 rivals he faces, including South African Grade One winner Heavy Metal, last-outing Meydan scorer Anaerobio, French raiders Mshawish and Pear Flute and Royal Ascot victor Gale Force Ten.
Heavy Metal carries huge expectations into the race having handsomely won the Durban July (G1), South Africa’s biggest race, last July. However, the son of Arlington Million sensation Silvano has not raced since and is also tackling the 1400m trip for the first time in his career.
No trainer has notched more Al Fahidi Fort victories than De Kock, and the South African has three chances of winning the contest with dual course and distance winner Anaerobio, Kavanagh and Gale Force Ten.
The trainer said: “Anaerobio won well two weeks ago and delighted us. When he arrived in Dubai, we really thought he was a classic hope but he missed that year and it took a long time to get him back near his best.
“This is the obvious place to test him over his optimum conditions.
“Kavanagh ran well on his first start back, the extra 200m should help and the switch to turf is not a problem.
“This was always the plan to start Gale Force Ten off here. Like all mine who have been through quarantine, he is likely to need his first run.”
Meanwhile, ex-Godolphin pilot Frankie Dettori makes his UAE comeback when he rides Mshawish for his main employer, Shaikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Abdullah Bin Huzaim-trained Le Drakkar, the Doug Watson duo Dafeef and Dux Scholar and Ali Rashid Al Raihe pair of Tamaathul and Mustaheel represent the local challenge.
Elsewhere, 2012 UAE Derby winner, Daddy Long Legs looks to have a leading chance in the Xpress Handicap, while Appleby’s Zip Top makes a much-anticipated return to the track after 824 days off.
He was second in the 2011 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster to subsequent 2000 Guineas and Derby winner, Camelot.
“Obviously he has had more than his share of problems,” Appleby added. “This is a good starting point for him. He should run well, but will certainly benefit from the run.”
