'They're bringing their complete A team' - can Lord North repel Japanese squad?

Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (Group 1) | 1m1f | 4yo+ | RTV/Sky

Japanese-trained horses have achieved the lion's share of success in the Dubai Turf in recent years with four winners and three seconds from the last seven runnings.

Three take their chance this time and Vin De Garde is the only challenger with overseas racing experience. He finished second to Lord North in this race last season but was well behind Schnell Meister in the Mainichi Okan at Tokyo in October.

Schnell Meister heads the market but needs to prove he can handle his travels, and globetrotting Lord North is the one to beat.

Lord North was a comfortable three-length scorer last year despite bursting a blood vessel and a subsequent 11-month absence implies future plans went awry after the victory.

John and Thady Gosden's stable stalwart ran encouragingly enough on his return at Lingfield last month and, despite coming out clear best on the figures, can be backed at around 5-1.

The strong-travelling Mohaafeth is a fascinating runner for William Haggas as he drops in trip.

Having emerged as a Derby contender with a strong display in Listed company over 1m2f at Newmarket last May, Mohaafeth was a late Epsom withdrawal due to ease in the ground.

We now know 1m4f would have stretched Mohaafeth and this 1m1f could be his optimum trip. Providing he is ready first time out, he should be in the shake-up.

Of the outsiders, Mohaafeth's stablemate My Oberon makes a bit of appeal over a trip that suits.

The better the race, the better My Oberon runs. His two forays into Group 1 company over further than a mile have been encouraging, particularly his close third behind Skalleti in the Prix d'Ispahan last May.

My Oberon was entitled to win a conditions race at Southwell carrying a 5lb penalty last month on his first run after a gelding operation but that would have primed him for this.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Can Saffron Beach uphold fine record for fillies?

The recent record of fillies and mares in the Dubai Turf is excellent, with Almond Eye leading home a 1-2-4 for her sex in 2019.

Vivlos won for Japan in 2017 and was second twice in the years that followed, while globetrotters Deirdre and Euro Charline have also featured in the money twice since 2015.

Saffron Beach follows Arabian Gazelles in a gentle hack down the Meydan straightCredit: Edward Whitaker

Saffron Beach brings Group 1-winning form from her success in the Sun Chariot last October and Jane Chapple-Hyam is hoping she can keep up the pressure on the colts and geldings.

"Fillies in the winter can get a bit hairy," said Chapple-Hyam. "She's nearly lost her trace clip and looks remarkable. She has wintered well and has come through her trial gallops. Hollie [Doyle] has sat on her and we're all very pleased.

"I suppose you'd have to be happy with top four for her first trip abroad in a Group 1. She has been a tricky traveller at home and has a companion horse. She's had to be a big girl now."

What they say

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Desert Fire
Desert Fire won nicely over this distance in the Al Rashidiya before disappointing in Saudi Arabia. He heads into this in good form but it looks a very tough race.

John Gosden, co-trainer of Harrovian and Lord North
It's a stronger race than last year but Lord North is in great form. He had a nasty throat infection all through last year, which meant we couldn't run him. We got a prep into him in the Winter Derby at Lingfield and he ran very well. Frankie [Dettori] cantered him on the grass and said he felt well, so it's full steam ahead. But these Japanese horses are coming in. They cleaned up in Saudi Arabia and they're bringing their complete A-team. Harrovian ran very well at the Saudi Cup meeting and he got in, so here we came.

Matt Ennis, representing David O'Meara, trainer of Lord Glitters
He had a good breeze on Sunday and on Tuesday around the main track. He felt really good and seems fresh too.

William Haggas, trainer of Mohaafeth and My Oberon
We've been campaigning Mohaafeth over further and for quite some time I've been quite keen to drop him back in distance. I just feel that in his races at home he's been weak in the last furlong. This race is a good fit for him. My Oberon is more difficult because his form is not as strong but I think these are his ideal conditions: fastish ground, nine furlongs. It's just whether he's quite up to it. He's got a great draw, which will suit him well.

Triple threat: the William Haggas-trained Mohaafeth, My Oberon and Alenquer at MeydanCredit: Edward Whitaker

Yoshito Yahagi, trainer of Panthalassa
He's a very strong runner, I think he'll be suited by Meydan and there'll be no problems leading. It's a one-turn race and a long distance to the first corner, so he'll come across. Last year Panthalassa liked heavy ground more, but it was fast ground in the Nakayama Kinen, so I decided to give him his chance here.

Christophe Lemaire, rider of Schnell Meister
I think this trip will be perfect for him and he loves a strong pace to run at. He's not always the fastest away and if they go a good lick that should bring his finishing kick into play. If they crawl and he's trapped in behind, it won't make it so easy. His closing kick is a major asset. He's among my best chances on the night.

Piers Winkworth, syndicate manager for Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, owners of Sir Busker
He's got a wide draw but he's a hold-up horse anyway and hopefully William [Buick] can drop him in and get him a nice position, so that when they come round the bend he can be there to pick up the pieces.
Reporting by Scott Burton

Saturday's Meydan previews:

1.35 Meydan: Buick hopes he has made right choice picking 'very impressive' Man Of Promise

3.55 Meydan: which global formlines will prove the strongest in the Sheema Classic?

4.30 Meydan: 'As good as we've seen from any horse' – Life Is Good work has Pletcher purring

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