Group 1 targets are on the horizon for Master Of The Seas who made a successful comeback in the G2 Zabeel Mile (presented by ARN), the feature race on the third night of Carnival action at Meydan Racecourse.

A Group 2 winner as a two-year-old and second in the G1 2000 Guineas at three, Master Of The Seas had been lightly-raced since and this was his first start since April. Ridden by William Buick, the five-year-old settled beautifully behind leader Modern News and had plenty in the tank once that stablemate began to falter. He cruised into the lead with 300metres left to travel and easily held off British raider Shelir, who made up a lot of ground from the back of the field to finish second.

It was a sixth win in the race for Charlie Appleby, who said: “Well done to all the team, they’ve done a great job getting him back as he had a setback after Newmarket last year. The race couldn’t have gone any better. If anything, it would have been helpful if the pace could have held up a little bit longer as he travels well.

“He does challenge himself sometimes, but the engine’s there and he is a good horse. Hopefully we’ll get a nice clean run again with him, to the Jebel Hatta, and then he’ll hopefully book a ticket to the Dubai Turf.”

Godolphin doubled up when Global Heat registered his first win for two years in the Listed Al Khail Trophy (presented by ARN), over 2810metres on turf, which produced a thrilling finish.

Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor and ridden by Pat Cosgrave, the seven-year-old benefitted from a first-time visor and came with a decisive run down the centre of the track to deny Away He Goes by a neck, with the same margin back to Ardakan in third.

“He’s got loads of ability and the only time he won here before I was on him in a non-Carnival race,” said Cosgrave. “He’s been called a few names over the years but he stays well and has a turn of foot against those staying horses. We might as well give it a try up in trip again.”

Suroor collected his own double, making it three on the night for Godolphin, when Shining Blue landed the closing Dubai Eye 103.8 Handicap, over 1400metres on turf.

The five-year-old was making his Dubai debut and first run since October but was much the best in a competitive field, going to the front soon after the start under jockey Danny Tudhope. Despite an awkward turn into the home straight, he had plenty left to stave off the fast-finishing Spirit Of Light, winning by half a length.

Another in-form team is Mickael Barzalona and Salem Bin Ghadayer and they continued their excellent run with a double, the highlight of which was Mimi Kakushi in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas.

The daughter of City Of Light had won the trial for this over 1400metres and had no problem with the extra 200metres here, disputing the pace early and stretching clear for a four and a half-length win over Awasef.

“She was happy to be on the pace and the extra furlong was a help as well,” said Barzalona, winning this race for the second time after Nashmiah in 2017. “I think she will run a good race in the [1900m] UAE Oaks too.”

Bin Ghadayer added: “We have four weeks until the Oaks which is enough time for a rest; she will just need one breeze before the race. She is the best filly I’ve trained.”

The Emirati handler’s good night started in race two when Rawy landed the Virgin Radio Dubai Handicap, over 1200metres on dirt. The RRR-owned grey had top weight here but was able to dominate a small field, digging deep when joined by Colour Up off the final bend and battling out a three-quarter length win.

“He’s a very tough horse,” said Barzalona. “That was the perfect race for him; he broke well and travelled easily in front. I think he’s a proper six furlong [1200metres] horse, or maybe seven furlongs.”

The sprinters were also in action in race three, but this time on the turf for the 1000metre ARN Handicap. Trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash has been in excellent form of late and this continued when Thunder Of Niagara gave him a rare Carnival win on the turf. The five-year-old was running for just the second time over the minimum trip but was able to travel just behind pacesetter Taneen, twice his age, and pounce inside the final furlong for a length win.

It was a 40th UAE win for jockey Ray Dawson, who said: “When Ahmad got him last year he was training him a little a bit differently and now he seems to show more speed. He surprised us a little over five furlongs [when second] last season and he’s done it again now.”

The new Big Easy Arabian Sprint Championship, race one, gave some of the speedier Purebred Arabians a chance on the big stage and it was Leena who made the most of the opportunity. Trained by Majed Al Jahoori and the only ride on the night for Bernardo Pinheiro, the mare dominated from the front and never looked like being passed, with Mumayaza and Mamara XM chasing in vain and completing a mares’ 1-2-3.

“She’s a lovely filly, especially over the five furlongs [1000metres]," said Pinheiro. "We’re lucky she relaxed today and kept calm, as normally she’s sweating beforehand. I tried to settle down the pace and keep as much as I can for the straight.”

DRC