The spotlight will be on Ouzo this Friday as he aims to defend his title in the Lord North Handicap, the feature race of a jam-packed Dubai Racing Carnival card at Meydan. Sponsored by DP World, the AED350,000 turf contest has attracted a maximum field of 16 runners, promising a thrilling spectacle.

Ouzo, trained by Jamie Osborne and partnered by jockey Adrie de Vries, returns to action for the first time since September. Last year, the gelding not only claimed the Lord North Handicap but followed it up with a victory in the Lord Glitters Handicap, underscoring his prowess on Meydan’s turf.

Osborne, whose wife Katie co-owns Ouzo under The Other Club, expressed confidence in his charge’s preparation.
"He’s been training well, and this course and distance seem to bring out the best in him," he remarked.

Adding intrigue to the race is Osborne’s second runner, See Hector, a Group 3 winner in Germany recently acquired by Malih Al Basti. He will be ridden by Pat Dobbs, with the trainer cautiously optimistic about the gelding’s debut under his care.
"Friday will give us an idea of where we stand with him," said Osborne.

Fierce Competition Awaits

Among Ouzo’s challengers is last year’s runner-up Silent Film, representing Ian Williams, and the promising Galen, trained by Joseph O’Brien, who has yet to claim a Dubai Carnival win. Another contender is Silver Sword, trained by Dylan Cunha, who is looking to bounce back after a luckless run last week.
"He needs to step up significantly to be competitive in this stronger field," admitted Cunha.

Rising Stars in the Al Wasl Stakes

The fourth race, the Al Wasl Stakes (AED300,000), is set to showcase a mix of European and local three-year-old talent over 1200 meters on turf. Notable entries include Itsatenfromlen, trained by Amy Murphy, and Osborne’s Jungle Drums, a promising new recruit. Godolphin’s Midnight Thunder and Symbol Of Honour, trained by Saeed Bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby respectively, will also contend.

Appleby was optimistic about Symbol Of Honour despite a disappointing run on soft ground last time out.
"Dropping back to six furlongs should suit him, and his prior performance at Doncaster gives us hope," he said.

The Dirt Beckons in the Dubai Maritime City Conditions Race

The Carnival opener will feature Heart Of Honor, a standout in the 1600-meter dirt event for three-year-olds. After a dominant debut at Meydan, Osborne believes another outing will prepare him for the UAE 2000 Guineas later this month.
"He’s training exceptionally well, and we feel this race will add valuable experience," said Osborne.

Rivals include Exculpation, a last-start winner at Jebel Ali, and the improving Honest Moon.

Spanish Flair in the Sprints

Spanish Champion Trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta fields Sky Hawk in the 1000-meter JAFZA Logistics Park Handicap. Although Spanish form is difficult to gauge, Arizkorreta is confident his runner can compete at this level.
"Sky Hawk has shown speed and consistency back home, and we’re optimistic he’ll hold his own in Dubai," he said.

Seasoned Contenders in the Long-Distance Finale

The final race, a 2410-meter turf handicap, features the Arizkorreta-trained Thundering, recently acquired from the UK. Opponents include Valdivia, victorious on dirt last time out, and other seasoned Carnival runners, ensuring a competitive close to the card.