Mustashry to join small European party on Dubai World Cup night

Sir Michael Stoute is planning to beat the BHA shutdown by having his first runner of 2020 at Meydan, with Mustashry set to take on Japanese superstar Almond Eye in the Group 1 Dubai Turf.

In conjunction with the six other races which comprise the Dubai World Cup night programme, the $6 million contest is scheduled to take place behind closed doors at Meydan on March 28.

Now a seven year-old, the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Mustashry enjoyed his most productive season to date in 2019 when landing his first Group 1 success in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May. He also overcame the hat-trick seeking Limato in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket in October.

Retained jockey Jim Crowley dropped in to put Mustashry through a final piece of work on Racecourse Side in Newmarket on Wednesday morning and was "thrilled" with the work.

Angus Gold (left): racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum (right)Credit: Edward Whitaker

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, was on hand to watch the work and is hopeful of a good showing providing the meeting goes ahead.

He said: "Mustashry is in good form and Jim was thrilled with his work. He strode out very well and as far as I'm aware it's all systems go for Dubai providing the meeting is on.

"He flies out on Friday with the other Europeans from Stansted but due to the travel restrictions I won't be going, which is the first time I've missed the meeting in many years. I think Jim plans to go sometime this weekend."

Gold added of the 16-1 shot: "It was always the plan to take him out to Meydan rather than the Breeders Cup and he's had a break since the Challenge. He's been such a star for us and hopefully we have other chances on World Cup night with Waady and Ekhtiyaar. "

Subject to a satisfactory workout on Thursday morning, last season's triple Group 1-winning filly Star Catcher is set to join the European contingent in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic.

Trainer John Gosden is chasing a record third win in the 1m4f contest with Star Catcher, who won the Cartier three-year-old filly of the year award in 2019 after landing the Irish Oaks, Prix Vermeille and the British Champions Filly & Mare Stakes.

An 8-1 chance with Paddy Power, Star Catcher will be out to add to Gosden's roll of honour after wins for Dar Re Mi (2010) and Jack Hobbs (2017).

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