'I think he's a big player' - Godolphin trio take on Lord Glitters in Meydan

Jebel Hatta Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) | 1m1f | 3yo+ | Sky/RTV

What has the makings of a huge domestic season in Britain for Charlie Appleby could get an early boost when the Godolphin trainer saddles eight runners on Super Saturday at Meydan.

It had initially been ten runners for the trainer but Barney Roy, a strong chance for Appleby in the Jebel Hatta, was ruled out of the race on Saturday morning, while stablemate Royal Crusade misses the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint.

Appleby has last year's leading juveniles Native Trail, Coroebus and Modern Games to unleash in the Classics this year, while 2021 Derby winner Adayar and his St Leger-winning stablemate Hurricane Lane will lead an exciting team of older horses into battle in Europe.

Appleby, who also runs Zakouski and Highland Avenue in the Jebel Hatta, said: "Zakouski is pitched out wide in stall 15 and we've put cheekpieces on him because on the odd occasion I just wonder if he wants to go 100 per cent through with it.

"I want to give Zakouski every chance of getting the job done as well.

"Highland Avenue was far too keen last time and we've got a hood on to try and get him back on track."

Lord Glitters: Group 2 winner at Meydan in February under Danny TudhopeCredit: Dubai Racing Club

There would be no more popular winner on the card than Lord Glitters, who is a year older than the ruled out Barney Roy but showed no sign age was catching up with him when he pipped his rival in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy three starts ago. He is loving life in the sunshine of Dubai, was a winner at Meydan last month and bids to repeat last year's Jebel Hatta victory.

"He's got a great appetite for racing and it's credit to the horse," said trainer David O'Meara. "We're aware that every run is a race closer to him sliding down a level but the trip and the long straight at Meydan suit him well.

"He's had a fantastic winter to win Bahrain's biggest race and the Singspiel Stakes, and hopefully he'll have a good shot again on Saturday. For Lord Glitters it's important that he settles and after that it's in the lap of the gods whether the race unfolds to suit him or not. Danny Tudhope knows him well and will ride him patiently."

Felix, Finest Sound, Freescape and Sir Busker complete the British and Irish interest in a race that often provides a stepping stone to the Group 1 Dubai Turf at the end of the month.

Appleby saddles last month's Meydan handicap scorer Global Storm in the Group 2 Dubai City of Gold (11.35) but all eyes will be on the Owen Burrows-trained Hukum, who goes on trial for the Sheema Classic on World Cup night.

Regular partner Jim Crowley rides Hukum and the jockey said: "I've sat on him twice this week and he seems in good form. Obviously it's a prep race for the Sheema Classic but hopefully he can run a big race.

"He's drawn 14 which makes things a little harder for him but we're still hopeful. He's clear on ratings and the track should suit him."

Hukum: makes his first start outside Britain in the 1m4f Group 2 raceCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

As well as Hukum, fellow British-trained runners Alignak, Island Brave, Mekong and Without A Fight line-up in the 1m4f contest.

Appleby appears to hold the key in the 7f Ras Al Khor (2.55), a new addition on the turf track to Super Saturday, with Group 2 Challenge Stakes scorer Al Suhail one of three runners from the yard.

"Al Suhail was impressive in the Challenge and his programme has been based around getting him back to Europe again," said the trainer. "We've taken our time but he looks great and his work has been strong. He's a major player.

"D'bai has definitely come on for his first run in Dubai but it will be hard work from his draw. Path Of Thunder is best fresh and dropping back to seven furlongs is going to suit."

Al Suhail's biggest threat may come from the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Storm Damage, an easy winner of a Listed race at Meydan last month and is the mount of Frankie Dettori.

Read more international news:

'It will definitely weaken the top end' – Gulf expansion a concern for Britain

'What dreams are made of' – Burrows eyes emotional Sheema Classic win with Hukum

'It's healthy competition' – Seemar excited by ambitious plans of Gulf nations

Local runner Emblem Road runs out an 80-1 shock winner of $20 million Saudi Cup

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