Dubai International Carnival: Marathon card

DUBAI - Tonight sees quality married with quantity with a marathon, all-thoroughbred, nine-race card, featuring the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint. A six-furlong dirt contest, the feature has attracted a field of 12 including Big City Man, representing Saudi Arabia and Force Freeze, trained by the UAE's Champion Trainer Doug Watson.

Both have course and distance victories to their name this season and look open to masses of improvement. Trained by Riyadh-based American Jerry Barton, Big City Man could well start favourite.

Stephane Chevalier, assistant to Barton, said: “This was his target, via the prep race he won well last time. He is in good shape and will go well.

'' Watson's second runner, Barbecue Eddie, was fourth in the Golden Shaheen on World Cup night last year, a place behind the reopposing Star Crowned who has been a revelation for trainer Rashed Bouresly. Watson said: “We were delighted with Force Freeze's win and he has improved from that. Barbecue Eddie is a quality sprinter who will come on for the outing.'' Adi Selvaratnam's Salaam Dubai was third in the 2007 Golden Shaheen and second in this race last year, while Satish Seemar's Terrific Challenge made a winning debut for his latest handler.

He won the Mahab Al Shimaal, under tonight's conditions, on debut for Watson in 2007. Mike De Kock won this last year with Asiatic Boy and saddles the only filly in the field in the shape of Diana's Choice who is making her dirt debut but has to be respected because of her trainer in a fascinating contest. The seven-furlong conditions race, for three-year-olds on the dirt, has been won by the subsequent UAE 2000 Guineas winner in three of the last four years and De Kock has won the last two with Asiatic Boy and Honour Devil.

Both went on to win the UAE Derby and sported the now internationally famous colours of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. Owner and trainer combine with three runners this year with stable jockey Kevin Shea electing to partner Rocks Off, a half-brother to 2006 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Gold For Sale, but having his first run on dirt.

Herman Brown is another trying to win a race for the third year in a row, namely the 1500m turf handicap he won with Linngari last year and Great Rhythm in 2007. He saddles Jay Peg, winner of last year's Dubai Duty Free and said: “He is not 100 per cent fit, but is ready for a run over this trip.''

THIS WEEK'S ACTION

TONIGHT – NAD AL SHEBA Dubai International Racing Carnival. Nine-race card. First race 6.55pm. Pick Seven competition (Dh127,000 for all seven winners).

For further information or tickets www.dubairacingclub.com or contact the Hospitality Department at Dubai Racing Club on 04-327 0077 TOMORROW – JEBEL ALI Last week's meeting was abandoned after rain so this week sees a rescheduled seven-race card. First race 2pm. Contact Jebel Ali race course on 04-347 4914 SUNDAY – ABU DHABI Seven-race card. First race 5pm. For more details contact Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on 02-445 5500