World’s best are gathering in Dubai

Despite the fact there are still 37 days remaining before Dubai hosts the richest day in horse racing, action on the track seems to be getting busier earlier than usual with international superstars from all corners of the globe arriving in Dubai.

Only five years since its inception, it’s fair to say the Dubai International Racing Carnival has placed itself well and truly on to the international racing calendar, and to coin a familiar phrase from my radio sidekick Tom Urquhart, the 2008 carnival is "bigger and better" than ever before. Dubai Racing Club’s CEO Frank Gabriel and International Manager Martin Talty deserve a massive pat on the back having played a big part in attracting animals of this calibre to the UAE.

Apparently with a "pep in his step" the world’s best dirt horse, Curlin, arrived at Nad Al Sheba quarantine barn on Sunday night and the Horse of the Year is on target to make his eagerly awaited seasonal debut at next week’s carnival.

Super Thursday may be the traditional curtain-raiser to the climax of the season, but February 28 is sure to attract plenty of interest worldwide, with large crowds expected at the races next Thursday hoping to catch a glimpse of last year’s Breeders Cup winner.

From the other side of the pond, Youmzain, second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last season, also touched down on these shores on Monday and looked in great order when spotted on Tuesday morning.

The Kiwi horse Seachange is a multiple G1 winner and looks another juicy prospect for race fans on Super Thursday. A Dubai Duty Free contender, she endured a long flight from New Zealand, but has a week to recover before contesting the Jebel Hatta.

It’s fabulous to see such a great international contingent, but what about the local hopes?

I was mightily impressed by the performance of Star Crowned in the XPRESS Sprint last week, and considering he came home in record time, he could be a live candidate for the Golden Shaheen (1,200m or six furlongs).

Considering he only cost Dh1,500 at the sales, and is now unbeaten in two outing’s for Rashed Bouresly, he’s certainly proved himself a cheap purchase.

While the plaudits go to the trainer for such a good buy, it’s a shame that another of his charges, New Art, who was returning after a layoff of more than 900 days in the same race where he beat only one home. He was back in action just 18 hours later at Jebel Ali and needless to say, he failed to trouble the judge.

Yes, some horses can handle quick reappearances, but after such a long time off, was the handler really acting in the best interest of the horse by running him so soon?