Djainka Des Forges could forge ahead this time in the Kahayla Classic at Dubai World Cup

Connections think their ‘top-rated filly’ can win it despite a first outing on the sand surface.

Djainka Des Forges (no 18) missed out winning the Kahayla Classic last year on Tapeta. Her connections feel she will take a liking to the sand surface at Meydan even though it will be a first. Koji HiShow more

DUBAI // After going down in the last few strides to Rabbah De Carrere in the Kahayla Classic last year, Djainka Des Forges is back to take on the boys on the sand.

The race sees two significant changes from a year ago: the prize money has jumped to US$1 million (Dh3.67m) from $250,000 and the Tapeta surface at Meydan Racecourse has been replaced by dirt.

Richard Mullen, crowned the UAE champion jockey, is booked on Djainka Des Forges, the six-year-old chestnut mare by Kerbella and comes after a recent second behind Al Mourtazaz in the Emir’s Sword in Qatar.

“The race wasn’t probably run to suit her and she was quite slow,” said Mullen, who rode the mare in that race.

“She’s a filly that likes to go quick and likes to go at a nice pace.

“She certainly is going to get that on the sand. It’s her first run on sand, she’s trained on it. She’s a good-moving filly and likes a strong pace.

“She’s the top-rated filly, I think, in the world on the Arabian front. She’s an exciting ride. Obviously, stall 14 is not great, so I’m hoping her class will get her through.”

Julian Smart, the trainer, is double-handed with Taraf, who will be ridden by Harry Bentley.

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“They are two nice mares,” Smart said. “Djainka scored a big win in France after her second in the Kahayla last year. She has really settled in well.

“Taraf has not been eating as well as I would have liked but hopefully both will run well.”

Mullen has had an association with Smart since his time in the UAE, when training for the late President Sheikh Zayed bin ­Sultan. “We’ve had a successful partnership for many years now, well over a decade,” Mullen said.

“Fingers crossed, we can win the Kahayla Classic. He knows how to win it and I’ve had a winner at the World Cup now so hopefully we can get another one for the two of us.”

Erwan Charpy leads the challenge of Emirates-based horses in the 2,000 metres event.

He is double-handed with Versac PY, winner of the Maktoum Challenge Round 3 on Super Saturday, and Manark, an impressive winner of the Group 2 Baniyas over 1,400m at Meydan in only his second local start.

Of the others, the Al Asayl pair of Richlore and Abu Alabyad look capable.

Trainer Majed Al Jahouri, who saddled the winner last year, has Raaziq, who will have to be considered.

Valiant Boy, trained in the United States for Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, is another ­contender.

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