Dubai: The joint-richest turf race in the world, the $5 million (Dh18.35 million) Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) continues to be the puzzle that it has been over the last ten years
Ten trainers have won this race over the last 10 years and it could be another newcomer visiting the winner's enclosure as Mick Channon's Youmzain, Luca Cumani's Purple Moon, Peter Schiergen's Quijano, Richard Gibson's Doctor Dino and Mubarak Bin Shafya's Eastern Anthem are among the main contenders.
However, last year's winner Sun Classique came from South African Mike de Kock's yard who has four runners in Front House, Russian Sage, King Of Rome and Macarthur and will be seeking to end another Dubai World Cup night trend.
Front House with an impressive 5-3-1 record in nine starts will be under last year's winning jockey Kevin Shea, who was delighted with the gate one draw.
He said: "If someone was to take it up we'll box seat just like Sun Classique last year. And if no one wants to lead, I'll make the pace and they just won't get past her."
But it will be the globe-trotting stars - Youmzain, Doctor Dino and Purple Moon - who are bound to get a fair share of the votes by the followers of form.
Trainer Mick Channon saddles Youmzain for the third time in this race.
The former England footballer, along with his 15-year-old son, survived a car crash which killed his friend -Bloodstock agent Tim Corby - in August last year.
The six-year-old bay is the highest rated (125) of all runners in the $21.25 million card of seven races tonight and will be the one to watch.
While the rain dampened the spirits of Purple Moon's connections, March Side's trainer Neil Drysdale was delighted and hoped the wet conditions would extend to tonight.
Purple Moon's jockey Jamie Spencer said: "Hopefully, the ground won't deteriorate, and, though it is a tough race, he always runs well after a warm-up. He has also stripped fitter since his last run here and has a good each-way chance."
A bright sunny day yesterday may have hurt Drysdale's hopes of "the more rain, the better" for Marsh Side.
Doctor Dino, the seven-year-old globe-trotting campaigner from Gibson's yard has come better prepared with some left-handed runs in Chantilly before some smart track work here.
Commenting on his barrier 13 draw, Gibson said: "We had a wide draw last year when he ran well to finish third, so I'm not too worried about the 13 box.
"He loves the heat and we hope he will run another great race."
Godolphin's Kirklees shifts back to turf and should improve, but it is the Bin Shafya-trained Eastern Anthem which could cause a flutter.
Ahmad Ajtebi, the Emirati on board, warned: "He has won both his starts in the Carnival and is in really good form."
