Costa to shine in Meydan opener

Racing makes a welcome return to Meydan for their opening meeting of the new season today with a competitive seven-race card, all on dirt, the first of 17 fixtures at the UAE's iconic track.

- Ed Marnane

Racing makes a welcome return to Meydan for their opening meeting of the new season today with a competitive seven-race card, all on dirt, the first of 17 fixtures at the UAE's iconic track. Race 5, the 1600m handicap, is the richest race on the card and is a competitive event that has attracted a big field of 14.

Jebel Ali-based Australian trainer Michael Costa, who started the season in sensational fashion when saddling five winners at Jebel Ali on Saturday, holds a strong hand and is responsible for four of the 14 runners. Of the quartet, unexposed and well-bred Meshtri, the mount of Australian James Orman, makes most appeal on his seasonal debut.

Owned by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, he made a winning debut when battling strongly to get the better of Nevershow Weakness at Meydan 12 months ago. The form of the race was given a major boost when runner-up, trained by Bhupat Seemar, went on to reel off a hat-trick of wins. Meshtri, not seen since finishing a good second to his stable companion Sadaaty at Jebel Ali in December last year, has the benefit of a good draw and off his light weight can defy a lengthy layoff for his in-form stable.

Top-weight Everfast, trained by Doug Watson, drops markedly in class and returns to Meydan chasing his first victory since winning on local debut at the track in late 2021. The eight-year-old, to be ridden by Pat Dobbs, looks up against it under his big weight and is best watched.