A busy week for the Dubai Carnival team as Richard Hannon sends out five runners across the two days. The first day is today at Meydan where KHAFOO SHEMEMI and ACROSS THE STARS take their chances. The former having already had a run over there finishing a solid fourth having missed the break, he comes back tomorrow in another Mile Handicap where if he manages to get a handier position in running he should finish much closer. ‘He has not drawn very well tomorrow but I would hope that Sean can get to a prominent spot. He knows the horse having won a couple of Listed events with him back at home. He is in great form and if he gets the right run I expect a bold bid.’
ACROSS THE STARS is having not only his first run in Dubai but also his first run for the yard. Having previously been with Sir Michael Stoute he arrived with Richard at the end of last year. ‘He appears to be going well out in Dubai but it will be interesting to see how he gets on. He has worked well a couple of times but I feel he may need the run tomorrow. He is a lovely big horse and if he manages to get into a good spot and switches off he will hopefully be hitting the line.’
That leaves the other three to take their chances on Saturday. The first of those is TUPI who ran very promisingly on his seasonal debut. He was slowly away from the stalls that day having been very fresh and took a while to get into stride. He did however stay on really strongly when he got going up to the line and finished an impressive fourth. ‘He blew away all the cobwebs on his first start and if he manages to break better this time he should be right there on the line. The horse of David Hayes was impressive last time and I feel that’s the one to beat but he is heading there in the form of his life and so hopefully he can get the job done.’
The other two both run in the seven furlong handicap on the card. OH THIS IS US is having his first start this year and proved he goes well fresh here last year when going down by a head and a short head. ‘He ran a cracker here last year and I feel if he can reproduce that form he should be right there.’ GEORGE WILLIAM is having his second start having run respectably on his seasonal debut. ‘He ran well on his first start and his last furlong was his best furlong. He appears to have improved naturally and hopefully can get involved. They are competitive races out there and they all need to be on their A game to get in the mix.’