Eight will go to post for the dirt mile of the G3 Burj Nahaar, the local prep for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen Mar. 26, with Ali Rashid Al Raihe's joint-top-rated Le Bernardin (Bernardini) seeking to reclaim the winning form which saw him post back-to-back stakes victories at the track on Dec. 17 and Jan. 7.
He went down fighting in his most recent start in the G3 Firebreak S. when fourth, less than three lengths behind the winner Confrontation, with Long River (A.P. Indy) a further two lengths adrift. Layl (Street Cry {Ire}) was only beaten a head by Le Bernardin in Round 1 of the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge, but found things much tougher in the second round when passing the post more than 12 lengths behind Frosted (Tapit).
Germany and Sweden both field challengers, with the German-trained Deauville listed winner Ross (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) looking to improve on his Jan. 28 fourth-place finish to Cool Cowboy (Kodiak Kowboy) over a furlong shorter. The winner that day returns to Meydan and shares top billing today with Le Bernardin.
Over The Ocean (Rockport Harbour) is a three-time winner in Sweden and Norway for trainer Niels Petersen, his best effort coming in the listed six-furlong Lanwades Stud Jagersro Sprint last May. His second attempt in Dubai on Feb. 25 ended with a third-place finish in the Abu Dhabi Trophy behind runaway winner One Man Band (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).
Top Clearance (Majestic Warrior) is another with a recent win to his name, having landed the District One Mansions H. over course and distance on Jan. 21, his sole strike in three starts in Dubai this year.
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