Seasoned Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor is anticipating a déjà vu moment as he fields Real World in the prestigious Group 2 Zabeel Mile, the highlight of a lucrative $3.1 million nine-race program at Meydan Racecourse this Friday.
In the previous campaign, Real World spearheaded a five-victory streak for Team Godolphin in the turf competition, subsequently participating in elite global races such as the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup (G1), Lockinge Stakes (G1), and Queen Anne Stakes (G1).
This season, the seven-year-old offspring of Dark Angel secured fourth place in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy last November before finishing fifth in the Group 2 Al Rashidya at Meydan’s Festive Friday event on December 22.
Reflecting on Real World’s chances in the Zabeel Mile, where formidable contenders like San Donato, Marbaan, and First Constitution await, Bin Suroor remarked to Khaleej Times, “Real World won this contest a couple of years ago and ran two excellent races over a mile in Europe the same season. He has been campaigned over a further distance but should appreciate the drop back in trip to the mile. I would like to believe that he has improved for his run in the Al Rashidiya, and I’m hoping for a good performance from this lovely horse.”
The veteran Emirati horseman, eyeing his third victory in the race after Do It All (2012) and Third Set (2008), has enlisted the services of multiple Group 1-winning jockey Cristian Demuro.
In a field of 12 rivals, San Donato, trained by Doug Watson, poses a credible threat following a narrow second-place finish in the Listed National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi a month ago. Marbaan, representing Jebel Ali Stables, and Musabeh Al Mheri’s First Constitution, transitioning to turf after a commendable effort in the Al Maktoum Challenge last season, add to the competitive mix.
The preceding race, the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes, serves as a precursor to the major sprint contests of the season. Trainer Bhupat Seemar, aiming to capitalize on Zabeel Stables’ dominance in the six-furlong dirt contest, fields three promising runners—Tuz, Leading Spirit, and Morning.
Seemar expressed optimism about Tuz’s form, stating, “He’s going to go up there in front and rock ‘n’ roll.” Meanwhile, Watson, with Sound Money in his stable, seeks an advantage after the horse’s previous triumph over Tuz on its UAE debut in March.
The evening also features Bin Suroor’s Movie Maker in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, part of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The nine-race card kicks off at 5:30 PM, starting with the 2,000-meter Zabeel Turf Handicap for three-year-olds.
