William Buick back in the saddle as Divine Image targets UAE 1,000 Guineas

William Buick has his first rides of 2019 at Meydan on Thursday when he partners Divine Image for Charlie Appleby in the Listed UAE 1,000 Guineas (3.05).

Buick, who picked up a six-week ban in Hong Kong in December after being deemed guilty of reckless riding on Pakistan Star in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase last month, has four rides on the six-race card.

Divine Image, who seeks to provide Charlie Appleby with a first win in the race, was an impressive winner of her only start, a mile novice on the all-weather at Chelmsford last month, but this race has been dominated by fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, who has won it ten times since its introduction in 2001.

Saeed Bin Suroor: has been dominant in the UAE 1,000 GuineasCredit: Chris Bourchier

Appleby said of the Scat Daddy filly: “She was very impressive at Chelmsford and this race has always been the plan, although the UAE Oaks trip will probably suit her better later on. Obviously she needs to transfer that form to dirt but she works well on it and is a very nice filly.”

Saeed Bin Suroor saddles Christophe Soumillon's mount Dubai Beauty, who was bitterly disappointing in the 7f UAE 1,000 Guineas Trial four weeks ago when sent off hot favourite. She failed to beat a single rival.

That trial was won by Al Hayette, who is owned and trained by Ismail Mohammed, but she has drawn the widest stall in 15 which could be problematic.

Catch me if you can

No horse has won the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint (2.20) twice, a statistic the Doug Watson-trained defending title holder, My Catch, will try and defy in the 6f feature on dirt.

As well as combining to land the spoils last year, Watson and Pat Dobbs also won the race in 2017 with Cool Cowboy and, perhaps significantly, the jockey deserts My Catch to partner stable companion, Drafted.

Doug Watson: saddles two in the Group 3 Al Shindagha SprintCredit: Francois Nel

My Catch has run just once this season when he seemed to pay the price for helping set a furious early gallop in the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes over this course and distance, losing second in the final furlong to Drafted who was staying on strongly under Sam Hitchcott.

Raven’s Corner, who won that race, has been ruled out after a minor setback, meaning the Watson duo appear to hold leading claims with Hitchcott aboard My Catch this time.

Watson said: “Hopefully we have two good chances in what looks, despite the small field, a competitive renewal. Both mine are in good form at home.

“A lower draw would have been preferable for My Catch who likes to get on with things, while Drafted should be staying on late.”

Back for Moore

Steve Asmussen won the Dubai World Cup with Curlin back in 2008Credit: Jesse Holmes / EquiSport Photos

Ryan Moore is in action at the track for the first time this season and he partners Switzerland for Steve Asmussen, trainer of the 2008 Dubai World Cup winner Curlin. A dual Grade 3 winner, Asmussen’s charge needs to defy a penalty if he is to be successful.

"It’s a good spot for him," Asmussen said. "I hope he handles the circumstances of the race and runs well; that’s what we’re expecting. I’m very pleased with how he shipped over there and he has worked great over the racetrack."

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