Progressive Old Persian expected to launch bold bid in Sheema Classic

4.00 Meydan
Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) | 1m4f | 3yo+ | Turf | RTV

William Buick and Charlie Appleby combined to win last year's Sheema Classic (4.00) with Hawkbill, and they are again responsible for a leading contender in the progressive Old Persian.

The son of Dubawi warmed up for this 1m4f Group 1 with a narrow-but-impressive victory over course and distance in the Dubai City Of Gold on Super Saturday, displaying a good turn of foot to overhaul the reopposing Racing History having been shuffled back and left with a lot to do.

His best performance in Britain last season was when winning the Great Voltigeur at York's Ebor meeting, the form of which was boosted in fine style by victories for Cross Counter in the Melbourne Cup and Kew Gardens in the St Leger, and Appleby believes he has improved over the winter.

After his 2018 annus mirabilis, winning the Derby and Melbourne Cup, Charlie Appleby cuts a relaxed figure at his winter training base in DubaiCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer said: "Old Persian has progressed well and I was delighted with his prep run in the City Of Gold. They went steady and he showed his class to quicken up the way he did to win.

"He's a typical Dubawi, who has physically done well from three to four, and he'll be a nice horse for this year."

The only filly in the field is the Aidan O'Brien-trained Magic Wand, who was a wide-margin winner of the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last season and produced a similar level of form when runner-up in the Prix Vermeille and Prix de l'Opera. She arrives on the back of a creditable second in the inaugural Pegasus World Cup Turf.

O'Brien, who is also represented by likely outsider Hunting Horn, said: "Magic Wand was a consistent performer at a high level last season and ran well when second in a Grade 1 in the US in January. We're happy with her and with Hunting Horn, who has been placed in the US and Qatar this year."

The Japanese have a good record in this contest, winning three times this century, and launch a three-strong challenge headed by Rey De Oro, who was fourth to Hawkbill last year and arrives on the back of a good second in the Arima Kinen, the world's biggest betting race.

Appleby hopeful of another Divine performance in UAE Derby

2.05 Meydan
UAE Derby Sponsored By Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (Group 2 dirt) | 1m1½f, 3yo | RTV/Sky

Khawlah, the dam of Derby hero Masar, was the last filly to win the UAE Derby (2.05) in 2011 but Divine Image is set to go off favourite after hammering the boys by seven and a quarter lengths over the same 1m1½f trip on the dirt in the Al Bastakiya on Super Saturday.

The UAE Oaks winner has come a long way in a short space of time since winning on debut at Chelmsford in December and Appleby is hopeful there is even more to come.

Divine Image: the UAE Derby favourite is progressing quicklyCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "Divine Image is a filly we've seen progress well through the carnival. She's learning on the job and this is a step up again, but she's a filly who ticks a good few boxes, with a nice draw and course-and-distance experience. She should continue progressing throughout the year."

Jahbath has won all four starts on synthetic surfaces, doing so particularly impressively on Southwell's Fibresand on his penultimate start.

Trainer William Haggas has been pleased with how the stoutly-bred son of Mukhadram, who races beyond a mile for the first time, has prepared on the dirt.

Following a racecourse spin on Thursday, Haggas said: "Jim [Crowley, jockey] felt that he was going nicely. I’m quite happy with how he has been, he looked great and Jim is pleased, so it’s all fine."

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