The Hong Kong Jockey Club will simulcast for betting seven races from the Super Saturday meeting to be held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on the evening of 5 March (1st race 8:00pm).
The Super Saturday programme features important lead-up races for the glamorous Dubai World Cup meeting to be held on 26 March. The night’s main events are the Al Maktoum Challenge R3 (G1 2000m Dirt), the Jebel Hatta (G1 1800m Turf) and the Dubai City of Gold (G2 2410m Turf). These races are seen respectively as stepping stones for the G1 Dubai World Cup, the G1 Dubai Turf and the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which are contested over the same courses and distances in three weeks’ time.
Two of Hong Kong’s leading dirt track performers, Rich Tapestry (Michael Chang) and Gun Pit (Caspar Fownes), are among a host of overseas raiders testing the water before the Carnival finale. With the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen firmly in sight, the globe-trotting Rich Tapestry will head to the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (G3 1200m Dirt), a race he won in 2014, as one of the favourites having won the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint over the course and distance last start. Gerald Mosse will continue his association.
Gun Pit, Hong Kong’s standout miler on a dirt surface, is stepping up in grade and distance in the Al Maktoum Challenge R3 in the hope of fulfilling the World Cup dream. However, only a strong showing would guarantee a starting berth to take on the American star California Chrome in the US$10 million showpiece on 26 March. Joao Moreira will ride.
The seven races on the card are:
Al Bastakiya (Listed 1900m Dirt)
Mahab Al Shimaal (G3 1200m Dirt)
Meydan Sprint (G3 1000m Turf)
Burj Nahaar (G3 1600m Dirt)
Dubai City of Gold (G2 2410m Turf)
Al Maktoum Challenge R3 (G1 2000m Dirt)
Jebel Hatta (G1 1800m Turf)
Final declarations with barrier draws for Super Saturday races will be available on Wednesday, 2 March.
