Legalaized Arrives in Dubai, a Strong Hope for Argentina

The Dabster colt, undefeated in Argentina, will be trained in the United Arab Emirates by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, with William Pereyra in his barn; the shipment also included Auto Bahn, while Oasis Boy will remain under the care of Doug Watson

Legalaized Shines in His Spectacular Palermo Debut / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Special for Turf Diario).- Nad Al Sheba once, and now Meydan, have always been stages where South American horses have found moments of glory. Wins by Invasor (Candy Stripes) and Gloria de Campeao (Impression) in the Dubai World Cup (G1) remain the highlights of this unique connection.

With the 2025/2026 season on the horizon, significant developments are unfolding for horses from this part of the world, not least the upcoming arrival of jockeys Francisco Leandro and William Pereyra, who will be based in Dubai in the coming weeks.

Legalaized, one of Argentina’s standout 2025 juveniles, has already landed in the city—traveling alongside Natan (Señor Candy), a story first reported a few weeks ago—to continue his promising career.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, whose colors have been carried by Asiatic Boy (Not for Sale), Vale Dori (Asiatic Boy), and Honour Devil (Honour and Glory), the Dabster colt is now in the care of Musabbeh Al Mheiri, the leading trainer of 2024/2025, and the same barn where Pereyra will work.

Prepared previously by Juan Saldivia and Roberto Pellegatta, the colt is unbeaten in two starts. On debut, he defeated Piñazo (John F Kennedy) by five lengths and Ardiendo (Remote) by eight more over Palermo’s dirt. He then impressed on San Isidro’s heavy turf, scoring by six lengths in the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L), defeating Forging (G2, Forge) and Liberto (G3, Hurricane Cat) along the way.

From the same owner, Musabbeh Al Mheiri also received Auto Bahn (Asiatic Boy), who had previously been trained locally by Antonio Cintra, Julio Olascoaga, and also Doug Watson.

The colt, second to the Japanese runner Forever Young (Real Steel) in the 2024 UAE Derby (G2), suffered an injury last year and was sidelined, but has now recovered well, with expectations high for him to showcase his talent again.

Meanwhile, Oasis Boy (Asiatic Boy) remains in Watson’s barn, also owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.