Godolphin bid for Balanchine with six entries at Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting

After dominating the last two weekends of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, Godolphin have trained their sights on the reclaiming the Group 2 Balanchine at this Friday's meet.

The highlight of the night is the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 for both the Purebred Arabians (Group 1) and for the thoroughbreds (Group 2), but Godolphin's focus is on the Balanchine with six entries in the 1,800-metre turf contest for fillies and mares.

A Godolphin horse has won the Balanchine for the past four years. Charlie Appleby has a pair in the race with Creative Flair, the choice of William Buick, and Wedding Dance with James Doyle in the saddle.

Creative Flair formed part of a hugely successful group of runners for Appleby in North America last year, taking third in the Group 3 Saratoga Oaks and fourth in the Jockey Club Oaks.

The Dubawi filly started 2021 with several good performances in Europe, winning a Newbury Listed race before going down by a head and a nose in the Group 3 Prix Chloe at Chantilly.

“Creative Flair has enjoyed a nice break since running out in America,” Appleby told godolphin.com.

“Her preparation has gone well and, if she reproduces the best of her European form, it will make her a big player.

“Wedding Dance has definitely come forward from the Cape Verdi [finishing third behind French raider Pevensey Bay and Ascot Bass], when it looked as though a step up to this trip could potentially produce more improvement.”

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000+(Dirt) 1,900m

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000+(D) 1,200m

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB)+$150,000 (Turf) 1,600m

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m

8.20pm:+Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB)