Vivlos and Real Steel bid to become first dual Turf winner

4.35 Meydan
Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (Group 1) | 1m1f | 3yo+ | ATR/RUK

The second biggest field on the card with 15 declared, the Group 1 Dubai Turf promises to be competitive with two previous winners, both from Japan, seeking to become the first dual winner of the 1m1f turf feature.

Last year’s heroine when ridden by Joao Moreira, Vivlos, is seeking her first victory since this race and has the assistance of Cristian Demuro this time.

Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, she arrives here having had the same preperation as 12 months ago, finishing in behind the leaders in the Nakayama Kinen at the end of February.

Via an interpreter, Tomomichi said: “She's very well indeed, remarkably so, and settled straight back into her routine. She should run well.”

Real Steal (green hat): is the mount of Mickael BarzalonaCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Ryan Moore was aboard Real Steel, ruled out of a defence late on last year, when he won this contest in 2016 for Yoshito Yahagi.

Mickael Barzalona rides him this year as part of a five-strong Japanese squad which also includes Neorealism, the mount of Moreira.

Barzalona said: “It's a very good ride to get and the trainer sounds very confident and happy, which is obviously a positive.”

Super Saturday form to be overturned?

Seeking a sixth win in the race, Saeed bin Suroor saddles likely favourite, Benbatl, drawn wide when second in the course-and-distance Group 1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday.

Prior to that he won the Group 3 Singspiel Stakes and Group 2 Al Rashidiya, both over this trip on turf.

Oisin Murphy, inconvenienced by a wide draw in the Jebel Hatta, was aboard on each occasion and retains the partnership.

Benbatl: a horse trainer Saeed Bin Suroor has always likedCredit: Tom Dulat

Bin Suroor, who also saddles Leshlaa and Promising Run said: “This is a horse we've always really liked and we think is improving. From a wide draw, he was never able to find any cover last time but still came to win his race before caught close home.

“He's much better drawn this time and we're very hopeful of a big run.”

That Jebel Hatta was won by Blair House, also owned by Godolphin but trained by Charlie Appleby. Ridden on that occasion by James Doyle, he has fared worst of all in the draw this time and will depart from stall 15, widest of all. William Buick takes over in the saddle.

Appleby said: “Blair House has really flourished in Dubai this winter and, obviously, we were delighted to win a Group 1 with him.

“This is a lot tougher race and he's in great form but the draw could've been kinder.”

First for Frankel?

John Gosden and Frankie Dettori combine with Monarchs Glen, a Juddmonte homebred who thrived last year after being gelded.

Off since May, he returned in September when runner-up at Sandown before winning a Listed contest at Goodwood and the Group 3 Darley Club Stakes at Newmarket.

Monarchs Glen (nearside): makes his seasonal reappearance for John GosdenCredit: Edward Whitaker

Only four-years-old, he could be a first World Cup night and UAE turf winner for the mighty Frankel (Immortalised has won on dirt at Al Ain).

Owner Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager, Lord Grimthorpe, said: “Obviously he needs to step up on what he has achieved so far but the gelding operation was the making of him and he has progressed since.

“He's taken the trip well and we've been planning this since December, be it the Dubai Turf or Sheema Classic. After discussions with the Prince, we opted for the shorter race.”

Two for O'Brien

Aidan O’Brien saddles Lancaster Bomber, the mount of Ryan Moore and so often the bridesmaid in Group 1 company, as well as War Decree, who will be ridden by Seamie Heffernan. He was a late replacement for Deauville who was ruled out last week.

Lancaster Bomber: needs a career-best to win for Aidan O'BrienCredit: Caroline Norris

Moore’s mount, who has just a Leopardstown juvenile maiden victory to his name, was runner-up in both the Dewhurst Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in 2016 before filling the same berth in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Woodbine Mile and Breeders’ Cup Mile last year.

O’Brien said: “Being drawn 12 is not ideal for Lancaster Bomber but we think the track, trip and ground will all suit him.

“He has run so many good races in top company he deserves a bit of luck, while War Decree worked at Dundalk recently and seems in good form.”

What the rest say

Ahmad bin Harmash, trainer of Championship
His final piece of work early in the week was very good indeed and we're delighted with him. Sadly we missed the race last year and this will be just his third race of the season. He ran very well in the Zabeel Mile and, we think, he will do so again.

Noriyuki Hori, trainer of Neorealism
He has settled in well and I think we have a good draw, but I will have to discuss tactics with my jockey.

Vincent Cheminaud, rider of Trais Fluors
Obviously it's a strong race but he's a good horse and appears to have taken the trip well and settled in nicely. His fitness has certainly improved since his run at Chantilly on the all-weather three weeks ago and I'm hoping for a big run.

Mike de Kock, trainer of Janoobi
I'm not going to say I expect him to win but, if things go his way, I can see him running a big race. He's tough and has been here a while now so is really happy in his routine. Hopefully he can collect a cheque.

Christophe Lemaire, rider of Deirdre
She has a chance but, in all likelihood, I'll be riding for a place and hoping for the best.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com