'A repeat of last year's performance is going to make him the one to beat'

3.45 Meydan
Dubai Millennium Stakes Presented By Lincoln (Group 3) | 1m2f | 4yo+ | Sky/RTV

The Charlie Appleby-trained six-year-old Star Safari bids to repeat last year’s victory in the Group 3 Dubai Millennium Stakes, the feature event on week seven of the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

Star Safari, who ran out a comfortable length-and-a-quarter winner over Bedouin's Story 12 months ago under William Buick, possesses an outstanding record at Meydan, having triumphed in four of his seven starts there.

Appleby said: "Star Safari won this race last year and has enjoyed a nice preparation again, winning over the same trip in the Zabeel Turf on his most recent start.

"A repeat of last year's performance is going to make him the one to beat."

Appleby is also represented by the four-year-old Royal Fleet, who has shown improved form at Meydan this winter after landing a mile handicap at Doncaster's St Leger meeting last September.

Royal Fleet finished an excellent second to Lord Glitters in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes a fortnight ago under James Doyle, who rides him again.

Appleby said: "Royal Fleet is progressing with each run and comes into this on the back of two very good efforts over nine furlongs in strong company.

"We are hopeful that the step up to a mile and a quarter will suit, and he looks a live player as well."

Saeed bin Suroor is also two-handed with Big Team, the mount of Louis Steward, and the Frankie Dettori-ridden Volcanic Sky.

Saeed bin Suroor: runs twoCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Bin Suroor said: "Volcanic Sky is a horse who always tries hard in his races. He has been in good form at the Carnival so far this year and came out of his latest start in good order, so we decided to give him another chance over this distance.

"Big Team has been very consistent this season. It was too soft when he ran on turf in Britain in the autumn, but this should suit him better. He doesn't show a great deal in the mornings, but I'm hoping he is saving it for the racecourse."

Marco Botti runs Pensiero D'Amore, while Roger Fell is represented by the six-year-old Marie's Diamond, the mount of Rowan Scott.

Appleby has two runners in the Jumeirah Derby (4.20), Nations Pride and New Kingdom, the former of whom will be bidding for a third win from four starts.

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