Al Maktoum Mile tops Meydan card

Racing in the Emirates cranks up a gear with Festive Friday, a quality card at Meydan Racecourse today and an early Christmas treat for punters. It should be a cracking meeting to enjoy at Dubai's iconic track.

- Ed Marnane

Race 5, the Al Maktoum Mile, has drawn a small but select field of six for the Group 2 event and the most interesting runner is Juddmonte-owned Artorius, now under the care of Bhupat Seemar.

Formerly trained in the USA by Chad Brown, who had a high opinion of the horse, he won three of his 11 starts, including the Curlin Stakes (Listed) at Saratoga in 2022. Sporting the same silks as Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, he has fitness concerns, off a 162-day break, and is best watched on his UAE debut under Tadhg O'Shea.

Meshtri, trained by Michael Costa, comes fit and well after causing a minor shock in the Dubai Creek Mile (Listed) four weeks ago. He showed a likeable attitude when battling on strongly to get the better of Walk Of Stars. He is a lightly raced colt that has more to offer.

Clapton, who ran well in the final two legs of the Al Maktoum Challenge in January for Chad Summers, has joined Doug Watson and is having his first run of the season. Rated 108, Clapton is the highest-rated runner in the field and from a yard going well, he commands respect.

Watson has a good record in the Al Maktoum Mile, winning three of the last five renewals.

Race 2, the Ertijaal Dubai Dash (Listed), the first turf race of the card, sees Czech champion sprinter Ponntos return to the Middle East to defend his title in the 1000m turf sprint.