Dubai: Godolphin handler Charlie Aplleby will be looking to continue from where he left off on Thursday night by saddling Blue Creek to a second Meydan victory on Saturday.
The winner of a trial at Meydan before recording an emphatic win on New Year’s Day, the son of Street Cry faces seven rivals as he bids to advertise his credentials for the UAE 2000 Guineas.
“He has come out of that race very well indeed and this looks the ideal spot for him,” said Appleby. “He improved for the experience he gained in the trial and showed the benefit of that winning his maiden.
“This looks a great opportunity to get another race into him to continue his education and we hope he can carry on progressing against some seasoned handicappers.
“He is an unfurnished type of colt and one we will not see the very best of until he steps up in trip, so expect his next start to be over further.”
Meanwhile, Baroot, another horse who caught the eye on his last start at Meydan, looks to have strong claims in the afternoon’s penultimate handicap, over 2000m on dirt.
“He handles the dirt well and the extra 200m should suit him,” said De Kock. “He won in style that day, but it was a poor race so he will need to raise his game on Saturday.
“He has a nice low weight and Wayne Smith, who has been aboard for his three local runs, gets on well with him. Hopefully, he will at least go close as we think he may be better than his rating suggests now we have stepped him up in trip.”
The weights are headed by Mizbah, winner of two of his three starts this season for Doug Watson.
This season’s leading handler also appears to have a leading chance in the concluding 1400m turf handicap with Charlie Croker, winner of a similar race over 1200m two weeks ago.
The meeting features the return of the popular Terrace Brunch — a family-friendly afternoon of dining and entertainment for Dh300 all inclusive.
Gates open at 2pm and the first race starts at 4pm.
