A new race, the $100,000 Al Bastakiya Trial (Race 2) for 3-year-olds hoping to make it to the UAE Derby (G2) over the same course and distance, adds significant depth to the evening. The six-race card, which also features a trio of lucrative, competitive handicaps, is sponsored by Emirates Global Aluminium and will have a first race post time of 6:30 p.m.
Thirteen have been declared for the Al Fahidi Fort sponsored by Emirates Global Aluminium (Gr2) and it promises to be one of the most informative races thus far of the Carnival, with a strong Godolphin representation facing formidable opposition from a good locally trained team.
International runners from as far afield as Europe, Australia and South Africa make this arguably the most enthralling race of the night.
Marinaresco with Bernard in the irons after winning the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July in 2017. Images: Candiese Marnewick
South African Mike de Kock, the most successful trainer in the history of the race, introduces new recruit Marinaresco, who will be having his first outing in a year.
Formerly trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, the 6-year-old Silvano gelding won the 2017 Vodacom Durban July (Gr1) and looks an exciting addition to De Kock’s string at Blue Stables.
He is joined in the field by stable companion also by Silvano, Janoobi, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was second in this last year before winning the Zabeel Mile (Gr2).
“Marinaresco has settled in well and has been pleasing us,” De Kock said. “We have brought him along steadily with this race in mind and he is ready for a run, but will improve for it. We are taking the same route as last year with Janoobi, who certainly needed his first run, as was the case last season. Hopefully he can run another big race.”
By Silvano out of Gay Fortuna by Fort Wood, Marinaresco has a half sister at Mauritzfontein by Flower Alley from the 2018 season.
Marinaresco sold for R1,3-million from the BSA National Yearling Sale in 2014. The 6 year old gelding has won 6 races, and over R5,6-million in stakes earned. He has won two Gr1’s, besides the Vodacom Durban July he also took home the Mike And Carol Bass Champions Cup at Greyville.
-extract sportingpost.co.za
