Meydan Racecourse raises the curtain on the 2026 season with a South American flavor
- Turf Diario
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Argentine Legalaized and the Uruguayan Namaguederaz are set to make their UAE debuts in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, while Chile’s Mufasa lines up in the G3 Dubawi Stakes (G3)
DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Special for Turf Diario).- Meydan Racecourse lifts the curtain on its 2026 season this Friday with an eight-race program that promises early fireworks and a distinct South American flavor. One of the card’s key contests, the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, will feature the undefeated Argentine Legalaized (Dabster)—winner of the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L) over heavy turf at San Isidro—alongside Uruguayan classic-placed Namaguederaz (Algorithms), adding a strong regional storyline. Chilean standout Mufasa (Practical Joke) is also set to line up in the Dubawi S. (G3), looking to rebound after a fourth-place return.
The 1400-meter UAE Guineas Trial has drawn a deep and competitive field, led by Lino Padrino (Uncle Lino), who dazzled when breaking his maiden by four lengths over this surface on Dec. 5, and a group of European juveniles aiming to take a step forward. Against that backdrop, Legalaized brings an unblemished record into his local debut, while Namaguederaz, trained by Julio Olascoaga and Antonio Cintra, will be partnered by Francisco Leandro in a searching first test of the Carnival en route to the classic mile.
The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Zabeel Mile (G2), where Charlie Appleby looks to extend his remarkable record with Aomori City (Oasis Dream), a G2 winner at Goodwood now retooled after being gelded. The race boasts proven class, including G1 winner Audience (Iffraaj)—the 2024 Lockinge hero making his first start for David O’Meara—along with Quddwah (Kingman), Vafortino (New Bay) and Holloway Boy (Ulysses), runner-up in this event last year.
Speed takes center stage in the Dubawi S. (G3) over 1200 meters on dirt, where Mufasa (Practical Joke) meets Dark Saffron (Flameaway)—winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen—along with Colour Up (Mehmas) and El Nasseeb(Profitable). Several emerge from the Al Garhoud Sprint (L), setting the stage for a fast, tactical affair.
The card opens with the Zabeel Turf (2000m), featuring Arabian Light (Kingman) and Sean (Excelebration), while the Jumeirah S. (1400m, turf) assembles a large, competitive group including Power For Power (Blue Point), Do Or Do Not(Space Blues) and the filly Callahan (Lope de Vega). The finale is the Zoho H. (2810m), where versatile Burdett Road(Muhaarar) begins his Middle East campaign against rivals such as Kihavah (Harbour Watch).
With established stars, emerging talent and South American contenders featured in a pivotal prep, Meydan’s 2026 kickoff delivers an early statement for a Dubai Racing Carnival primed for impact.
