Al Zarooni has strong hand in UAE Oaks

Preview: UAE, Thursday 4.20pm GMT (live on ATR/RUK)

Meydan: UAE Oaks (Group 3) 1m1½f Tapeta, 3yo fillies

HAVING already saddled the winners of the UAE 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Godolphin's Mahmood Al Zarooni looks to have the ideal opportunity to protect his 100 per cent strike-rate in this year's UAE Classics when runningboth Pimpernel and Falls Of Lora in the Oaks.

Frankie Dettori rides Pimpernel,who will be having her second start in the country having chased home Gamilati and Dettori in the UAE 1,000 Guineas. With Gamilati being aimed at Newmarket this looks the idealchance for Pimpernel to win her first Group race having chased home the impressive Wading in last year's Rockfel Stakes before winning the Listed Radley Stakes at Newbury.

Falls Of Lora, to be ridden by Mickael Barzalona, won twice last year but she has not been since finishing last of five in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp in early October.

Al Zarooni said: "They are both nice fillies but Pimpernel has the
advantage of a run and showing that she handles Tapeta. It was a good run behind Gamilati and with that filly to be aimed at Newmarket, Pimpernel will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

"She has worked nicely since the Guineas, while Falls Of Lora has been going well also, but is certain to come on for the run."

Of the six declared, Falls Of Lora is the only one not to have run in the UAE 1,000 Guineas, with the third Alsindi again looking the main danger.

Winner of the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes for Clive Brittain last year, she was runner-up to Gamilati in the UAE 1,000 Guineas trial before chasing home the Godolphin filly and Pimpernel in the Classic.

Also on Thursday:

Meydan

Prohibit, winner of last year's Group 1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot when providing his trainer Robert Cowell with a first winner at the highest level, makes his return in a 5f turf handicap under Jim Crowley.

A course and distance winner last year, he is joined by stable
companion Monsieur Joe, who won a similar handicap three weeks ago under William Buick, whomaintains the partnership.

Cowell said: "Prohibit did a nice piece of work the other day and is in good form. We know conditions suit him and there should be plenty of pace, which will suit him, but his big target is World Cup night so there should be improvement to come.

"Monsieur Joe ran well here for Walter Swinburn last year and was a nice new addition. I was delighted to win here with him for the owners. He should run well again but it looks a hot race."