Walk of Stars - Photo: DRC
Meydan’s iconic Fashion Friday meeting arrives this weekend with the depth, quality and international intrigue befitting the heart of Dubai’s winter racing season. A total of 11 Group 1 winners headline a Longines-sponsored nine-race program that serves as a decisive checkpoint on the road toward the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28.
At the center of the evening stands the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, contested for AED 3.68 million and offering the winner a guaranteed berth into Dubai’s richest night. Few stables arrive with greater firepower than Bhupat Seemar, who saddles six of the nine runners, including the last two winners Walk Of Stars and Kabirkhan.
Walk Of Stars returns sharper after a conditioning run in the Listed Entisar, where he conceded significant weight and fitness to race-ready rivals. “He’s much fitter now and back on level weights,” Seemar noted, signaling expectations of a far stronger performance. Kabirkhan, meanwhile, adds blinkers after an awkward debut for the stable. Despite traffic and kickback compromising that effort, Seemar remains confident in the veteran’s raw ability.
Seemar also fields Artorius, representing Juddmonte, who continues to trend upward since relocating from the United States. A narrow runner-up last time, the son of Arrogate appears ideally suited by the 2000 meters, while Imperial Emperor, winner of the Group 2 Al Maktoum Mile, stretches back out in trip after finishing second in this contest last season.
Among the challengers, Heart Of Honor brings proven late-closing power after defeating several of these rivals in the Entisar. Trainer Jamie Osborne embraces his colt’s grinding style. “If they go hard and turn this into a stamina test, that’s when he comes alive,” Osborne said.
Opera Ballo Headlines Jebel Hatta
The Group 1 Jebel Hatta, presented by Longines, promises another high-class confrontation led by Opera Ballo, whose visually impressive victory in December’s Group 2 Al Rashidiya marked him as a rising international force. Trainer Charlie Appleby views this as the logical next step in his development.
Stablemate Nations Pride adds immense depth to the race as a four-time Group 1 winner whose sharp recent work suggests a return to peak form. They are joined by Canadian International hero Silawi, as well as intriguing newcomer Midak, a French Group 3 winner making his first start for Ian Williams and owner Fitri Hay. Holloway Boy and Vafortino complete a compact but formidable lineup.
Familiar Faces Renew Rivalries in Al Fahidi Fort
The Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort sets up a compelling rematch between Mysterious Night and Marbaan, the last two winners of this race. While Marbaan’s recent third came over rain-affected ground he failed to relish, trainer Michael Costa expects marked improvement back on fast turf. Appleby’s Mysterious Night, meanwhile, should strip fitter after his seasonal return and remains ideally suited by Meydan’s sweeping seven furlongs.
Adding international flavor is Witness Stand, a Group 2 winner from Goodwood making his UAE debut and expected to thrive around the bend.
Speed on Display in the Al Shindagha Sprint
Sprint specialists collide once again in the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint, where Dubawi Stakes winner El Nasseeb renews rivalries with Mufasa, Colour Up and Dark Saffron. Doug Watson’s durable Colour Up seeks a cleaner break after losing momentum early last time, while Seemar counters with multiple runners, including the progressive Drew’s Gold, who steps up after a commanding handicap success.
Kentucky Derby Points on the Line
The Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas brings together a deep field of 16 sophomores chasing valuable points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Godolphin’s Devon Island remains unbeaten on dirt and continues to mature mentally and physically. Stable rival Brotherly Love, fresh off a dominant maiden win, could benefit from added distance and blinkers.
Seemar once again dominates numerically with four runners, led by Guineas Trial winner Six Speed and high-potential Lino Padrino, alongside newcomers Rammas and Senator Of State. Argentine-bred Legalaized adds further intrigue after a wide-trip second in the trial.
West Acre Returns to Defend Blue Point Sprint Crown
The Group 2 Blue Point Sprint features defending champion West Acre, who returns fresh after narrowly missing victory at Dundalk. Trainer George Scott reports the gelding thriving in his preparation. Standing in his way is Cover Up, who captured the Listed Dubai Dash in style and continues to strengthen physically.
Firebreak Stakes and Arabian Spotlight
Depth extends throughout the undercard, including the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes, where Fort Payne seeks to replicate his Burj Nahaar victory, while Meshtri attempts to rediscover his elite Meydan form. Seemar’s Commissioner King and Mendelssohn Bay also enter with strong credentials.
The evening opens with a Purebred Arabian highlight as four Group 1 winners clash in the Group 1 Maktoum Challenge Round 2, a critical steppingstone toward the Dubai Kahayla Classic. Former champion First Classs aims to rebound after a below-par turf effort, while Djafar continues his transition into Doug Watson’s stable.
From emerging stars to proven champions, Fashion Friday once again delivers a global showcase of elite Thoroughbred and Arabian talent — and offers the clearest signals yet of who may shape Dubai World Cup night in March.
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