Dubai International Carnival: Happy’s target

The first rounds of the Maktoum Challenge are the highlight of the opening meeting in the $31 million Dubai International Racing Carnival tonight. There is a Maktoum Challenge for both the Purebred Arabians (Group 1) and the Thoroughbreds (Group 3), both over a dirt mile, with the former opening proceedings at 7.15pm.

Last year's winner, the Doug Watson-trained Kandar Du Falgas, will face eight rivals on this occasion, headed by the much improved Fryvolous, trained by Rod Simpson.

Watson's charge is making his seasonal reappearance (it was his second start last year) but was in front of Simpson's runner when the pair were fourth and fifth in the Dubai Kahayla Classic last March. Watson said: "He is ready for the run and we hope will go close."

However, Simpson's horse, the year younger of the two, has been in superb form this season and will be hard to beat.

Simpson said: "The horse has been a real star for us this season and remains in great form. Dirt is his preferred surface and we are hopeful."

History bid

Happy Boy will defend his crown in the Thoroughbred version, which he won last year when representing his native Brazil. Subsequently campaigned by Godolphin, he will be having his first start for latest trainer Mubarak Bin Shafya and will have to create history if he is to win – no horse has won this race twice.

Those who chased him home last year, namely Gloria De Campeao, Frosty Secret and Etihaad all reoppose.

Golden Arrow, now trained by Erwan Charpy, was third in 2007 and, like Doug Watson's Green Coast, has the benefit of a win already this season.

South African Mike De Kock won this race in 2005 with Grand Emporium and has a strong representation with Royal Vintage, the choice of stable jockey Kevin Shea, joined by Frosty Secret, Trinity College and Art of War.

Shea's mount, runner-up in the UAE Derby on his most recent local outing, has to be forgiven a disappointing UK campaign and his trainer said: "There is no hiding from the fact that he was a disappointment in the UK and we gelded him. That has delayed his preparation slightly but he has been working well."

Don Renato represents Saudi Arabia and his trainer, Jerry Barton, saddled a Nad Al Sheba double last Thursday.

Godolphin's My Indy may have twice finished behind Royal Vintage last year but trainer Saeed Bin Surour said: "He has improved throughout the summer and is working well."

Fillies clues

De Kock, Barton and Bin Surour saddle India Tiberina, Esta Bailando and Sos Brillante respectively in a seven-furlong conditions race for fillies which should offer plenty of clues towards the UAE 1,000 Guineas. All three are from Chile where Barton's filly was a Group 1 winner and the other pair won their sole starts very easily.