The Al Maktoum Challenge R3 on the Super Saturday card from Meydan Racecourse, is the ultimate warm-up for the Dubai World Cup. The reigning champion Long River won’t be defending his crown leaving the race wide open for fresh local and international talent to claim the title. It’s the leading local trainers who put forward their best. Saeed bin Suroor’s Thunder Snow international runner Thunder Snow had enough speed to defeat Satish Seemar’s North America and Salem bin Ghadayer trained-Heavy Metal in the recent Gr.2 Al Maktoum Challenge. But he could not catch-up to Heavy Metal in the earlier round. North America was also runner up during the same race.

 

In the mix, we also have Charpy’s Amazon princess, Furia Cruzada who placed third in the same event last year. She was runner up to Gr.2 Balanchine winner Promising Run earlier this season defeating favourite Opal Tiara. We also have Watson’s Cosmo Charlie who was beaten by Heavy Metal in the Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes as well as the son of Candy Ride who was unplaced in the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup (2016) which was won by the racing legend California Chrome.

 

The field also includes Watson’s Gr.2 Godolphin Mile winner Second Summer who defeated international raider Sharp Azteca. He has been struggling to regain the form expected of him, this season. Heavy Metal stable mate and the recent Jebel Ali Stakes (L) winner, Montsarrat is expected to lead from the front. The son of Poet's Voice is aimed at the Gr.3 Burj Nahaar on the Dubai World Cup card.

 

This battle of the best should be an exciting finale and a fight to the finish.  

 

See full race card HERE.

By: Pallavi Shevade – pallavi.shevade@seretariatsworld.com