Depth, diversity and star power come together at Meydan on Friday for the 11th Dubai Racing Carnival meeting of the season, with capacity fields and two of the world’s most recognisable jockeys adding extra edge to an already competitive programme.

The feature event, the Lord Glitters Handicap (sponsored by Azizi Developments), has drawn a full field of 16 runners for the 1800m turf contest, a fitting tribute to the popular Group 1-winning grey whose name the race carries.

European interest is strong, with five raiders lining up against a deep local contingent. Jamie Osborne saddles last-time-out winner Sean, while Ian Williams is represented by Dante’s Lad, who caught the eye when finishing third on his Dubai debut.

Another British visitor, Dividend, shaped encouragingly when third behind Folk Festival over a mile on his Carnival debut. Co-trainer Jamie Insole expects improvement after a smoother preparation this time.

Local intrigue comes from Al Aali, a former Group 3 performer in France now with Fawzi Nass. Jockey Adrie de Vries described the horse as a work in progress but one heading in the right direction.

Adding further sparkle, Brazilian superstar João Moreira returns to Meydan for the first time since 2024, taking three rides on the card. Among them is French campaigner Bullace, now trained by Mohammed Mardood.

British trainer Ed Walker has enjoyed a productive Carnival and looks to maintain that momentum with Northern Champion in the Dubai Trophy (Race 5). The three-year-old edged Catullus in the Jumeirah Stakes last month and now steps back to 1200m, carrying an extra kilogram.

Five-time UK champion jockey Oisin Murphy returns to Meydan for three rides, including Northern Champion, further boosting the race’s profile.

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby believes Catullus can reverse the form. The Crisford team, in strong recent form, saddle Flying Comet, who impressed in the Al Wasl Stakes. Appleby also runs Maximized, third behind Flying Comet last time out.

The Burj Azizi Handicap (Race 7) over 1200m on dirt features Cats By Five, who returns after a decisive win over Danyah, the 2023 Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint winner.

Moreira also partners Jouncy in the closing Azizi Riviera Handicap. Formerly trained in the UK, the four-year-old has settled well into Dubai with Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga.

Olascoaga also fields Expert Choice in the Azizi Venice Handicap (Race 2) over a mile, with UAE champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa booked. The gelding faces a full field that includes international raiders Tailgunner Joe, Calyxoh and Chaldero.