'Move' Up To The Challenge

The G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 sponsored by Emirates Airlines is lacking some strength in depth for a top-level event, and it sees the Japanese globetrotter Lani (Tapit) return to the scene of his greatest triumph so far. Winless since beating Polar River (Congrats) in the G2 UAE Derby over 9 1/2 furlongs at Meydan last March, Lani went on to contest each leg of the American Triple Crown with a fine third-place finish behind Creator (Tapit) in the GI Belmont S. the highlight of that ambitious challenge. Lani has the added assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle on Saturday, but it will take all of Moore's genius to get the Mikio Matsunaga-trained grey home in front based on his last two performances in his native Japan. The 4-year-old arrives on the back of a ninth-place finish behind Sound True (Jpn) (French Deputy) and his half-brother Awardee (Jungle Pocket {Jpn}) in the G1 Champions Cup at Chukyo on Dec. 4, though a positive could be taken from the fact that he was only beaten 3 1/2 lengths and was hitting the line strong.

Last year's surprise winner Special Fighter (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) proved that success was no fluke when he finished just five lengths off California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) on his next start in the G1 Dubai World Cup and, if ready to do himself justice on his first start since, he should prove hard to beat in what looks a weaker renewal than the 2016 contest. Also respected is Godolphin's Move Up (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who has his first taste of the Dubai Carnival. Adrie De Vries bids to maintain his fruitful association with Godolphin, and Saeed Bin Suroor's 4-year-old still fits into the 'could be anything' category. He justified short odds to land the G2 Bosphorus Cup at Veliefendi last September before signing off for the year with a win over Arab Spring (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) in the G3 Cumberland Lodge S. at Ascot on Oct. 1, and his profile is certainly progressive. How he copes with the dirt will be the big question. “Obviously he has not run on dirt but he is training very well,” said Bin Suroor. “We are keen to try him on the different surface and over 2000 metres. He has improved physically since last season and is a nice horse.”