Godolphin enter the fray as Secret Ambition looks to repeat Dubai Creek Mile win

Saeed bin Suroor has three entries across three races under three jockeys for Thursday's meeting at Meydan

Tadhg O’Shea (No 4) guides Secret Ambition to win the 2019 Dubai Creek Mile at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National 

Godolphin send out their first runners of the season at Meydan on Thursday.

The seven-race card kicks off with the Group 2 Madjani Stakes for Purebred Arabians followed by six prizes for the thoroughbreds, including the Listed Dubai Creek Mile.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has three entries across three races under three jockeys.

Hector Crouch rides Late Morning in the second race and Harry Bentley is on board Underwater Attack in the next, both maidens for two-year-olds fillies and colts, respectively.

Pat Cosgrave, who rode Real World for his debut victory at Chelmsford in the UK, retains the ride in the conditions for three-year-olds and also partners Lost In Time in the concluding handicap.

The highlight of the meeting, however, is the Listed Dubai Creek Mile, which has drawn eight runners including last year’s winner Secret Ambition.

Satish Seemar, who landed the first two editions of the race with Surfer in 2013 and 2014, will be hoping for Secret Ambition to replicate his success of 12 months ago.

Tadhg O’Shea is reunited with the seven-year-old son of Exceed And Excel on his reappearance.

“We know conditions suit him and he showed last year that he can run well fresh,” the UAE champion jockey said.

“So the fact it is his first run of the season is not a great concern. It looks a strong renewal though, but I am hoping for a big run.”

Quip, a dual Grade 2 winner in the United States, makes his first start for the Zabeel Stables and his third in the UAE after two outings for Doug Watson last season.

“He is a nice new horse for us who has been working well,” assistant trainer Bhupat Seemar said.

“He should improve for the run, but we are hoping for a good effort in a strong race.”

Watson has three in the race with stable jockey Pat Dobbs opting for Kimbear, runner-up to Secret Ambition last year.

“Kimbear is a horse we have always really liked, but have had a few issues with,” Watson said. “He is in great shape, but does have a penalty and will improve from the run.”

His other two runners are local debutant Mount Pelion with Sam Hitchcock in the saddle and Thegreatcollection under Cosgrave.

“We have not been able to find a race for Mount Pelion, so this is a good spot to get him going and try him on the dirt surface,” the Red Stables trainer added.

“Thegreatcollection ran well on his return and like Kimbear is proven under these conditions. Hopefully they can all run well.”

Salem bin Ghadayer’s Capezzano is another contender over the course and distance, He won last year’s Group 3 Firebreak Stakes, chased home by Secret Ambition.

“The horses are starting to run very well and hopefully Capezzano can do the same as he has been working nicely at home,” the Emirati trainer said.

Completing the lineup are Musabah Al Muhairi’s pair Alkaamel and Casey Jones and Salute The Soldier trained by Bahraini Fawzi Nass.