British raiders The Fingal Raven and Hawksbill lead overseas challenge; Chantal Sutherland makes comeback aboard Laasudood
DUBAI – The global racing spotlight may be fixed on Riyadh’s $20 million Saudi Cup on Saturday, but Friday night at Meydan offers a compelling prelude—one laden with Dubai Racing Carnival subplots, international ambitions, and a remarkable comeback story.
With several Saudi Cup contenders expected to reroute to Dubai for the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28, the Carnival rolls on with an eight-race card sponsored by Longines. Racing fever is tangible, and Meydan is right in the thick of it.
Feature Race: Wide-Open Contest Over 1400m
A full field of 14 lines up for the official feature, the Dh 250,000 Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback Handicap over 1400 metres on turf.
Charlie Appleby’s Beccali—progressive and race-fit—emerges as the one to beat. Hamad Al Jehani’s English Oak brings consistency and danger at this level. But the narrative weight falls on two British raiders.
The Fingal Raven, trained by Jamie Osborne, arrives fresh from a recent victory. The four-year-old son of Mehmas faces a career test from stall 13.
“He seems to have bounced out of his win a fortnight ago,” Osborne said. “This will probably require a lifetime best, but he has the ability to step up again. The draw could have been kinder.”
Hawksbill, from Richard Spencer’s Newmarket yard, seeks redemption after a troubled start last time out.
“His iron kicked out leaving the stalls, which lit him up, and he was far too keen,” Spencer said. “We’re dropping back to seven furlongs. Hopefully he can settle, and we’ll see a better performance.”
Sutherland’s Comeback Adds Emotional Weight
Race four, the Longines Spirit Pilot Handicap (1600m, Dirt), carries its own subplot.
Canadian superstar jockey Chantal Sutherland partners Bhupat Seemar’s Laasudood in pursuit of her first win since a devastating fall at Gulfstream Park on May 6, 2023. Sutherland suffered a complete break of her left humerus and other injuries. Her return to the saddle in Dubai marks a significant milestone in a decorated career.
Gun Carriage, trained by Dylan Cunha, finally draws the coveted rail (stall 1) after a series of eye-catching efforts in defeat.
“Gun Carriage finally has a good draw,” Cunha said. “I hope to see him get it right on Friday.”
Supporting Cast
In the Longines Primaluna Handicap (2000m, Turf), Cunha’s Silver Sword bids for a second Carnival win.
“Silver Sword loves Dubai,” Cunha said. “This is a good spot for him. He’s in great form, and I expect the usual solid performance back up in trip.”
British trainers have enjoyed a strong Carnival campaign, with Jamie Osborne already notching five winners.
KT Selections
Race 1: Af Yatwa’ad
Race 2: La Yetal
Race 3: War Hawk
Race 4: Laasudood
Race 5: Beccali
Race 6: Elusive Trevor
Race 7: Saarim
Race 8: No Escape
Day’s Best: Beccali
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