Fierce competition at Meydan Racecourse on 'Emirates Super Saturday'

Over AED 10 million prize money is set to be won on “Emirates Super Saturday”, sponsored by Emirates Airline, at Meydan Racecourse, with an elite group of local and international horses competing in nine title races.

Seen as a mini-rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup on March 30, and with five qualifying races on the docket, Emirates Super Saturday promises high-octane action as horses hailing from eight different countries vie for coveted spots on Dubai World Cup night.

The highlight of the day, the AED 1.7 million G2 Al Maktoum Classic, race six, offers a guaranteed berth in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

Among the 12 contenders are notable names such as G1 victor Ajuste Fiscal and Group 2 champions Clapton, Military Law, and former World Cup contender Remorse.

Leading the field is US challenger Clapton, boasting a rating of 112 and coming off a third-place finish in the G1 Maktoum Challenge. Piloted by jockey William Buick, Clapton will start from stall three in pursuit of glory.

Preceding the Maktoum Classic is the G2 Dubai City of Gold, offering a shot at the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Trainer Charlie Appleby, a five-time winner of the 2400-meter turf contest, fields three contenders, with promising four-year-old Castle Way leading the charge.

According to Appleby, Castle Way shows the most potential for progression throughout the season, backed by strong performances to close out his three-year-old campaign.

British trainer Jamie Osborne enters the fray with Solid Stone, eyeing redemption after a commendable third-place finish behind Warren Point in the Dubai Millennium Stakes.

International intrigue adds to the excitement, with German Group 1 winners Sisfahan and Simca Mille, Qatar Derby champion Jeff Koons, and French Group victor Trevaunance rounding out the field.