Al Maktoum Challenge Starts on Thursday

Betting at the marvellous Meydan Racecourse in Dubai kicks off with the start of the Dubai Racing Carnival, also heralding the beginning of the Al Maktoum Challenge. This is the normal fill of handicaps and punters from around the world expected for the eight card fixture list, which includes the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial along with the start to the Al Maktoum Challenge. 

This event last year saw the eventual winner in the Gloria De Campeao take this race of the way to the title. The opening race always generates a lot of interest and bookmakers are expecting a lot from the Godolphin and Mike De Kock’s teams this time around. 

Sabateur is fancied after an impressive win against a strong 14-horse field on the Tapeta ground at Meydan. That day bookmakers gave him odds of 20/1 and produced a great race sealing victory over the last few yards to come home first. Though many believe that Rosales won it that day as the horse is still some way off his career best. This was his first victory since his maiden win in Nottingham in 2009. 

Bronze Cannon, the American bred horse didn’t produce much last time out on the Meydan circuit but may fair better this time around having already competed in a preparatory race. His last posting was at the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes as Royal Ascot in 2009 but having made appearances at Sandown, Cologne and Moscow he seems to be hitting form just right.