South Africa's Newest Son

While it would be nothing new to see South African connections scoop a big-race win at Meydan, Harry's Son (Aus) (Haradasun {Aus}) does represent a relatively new face on the international stage in the form of trainer Paul Lafferty, who will attempt to record his first win in the UAE with that colt in Thursday's G2 Zabeel Mile. Lafferty opened his Dubai stable this carnival and has started three horses, one of those being Harry's Son, who flashed home an eye-catching second behind the re-opposing Safety Check (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in his local debut in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort Jan. 21. Harry's Son was South Africa's champion 2-year-old of 2013/14 after winning the G1 Champion S., and he won the G2 Gauteng Guineas last February and finished fifth in the G1 S A Classic over nine furlongs in March before entering the quarantine period to travel to Dubai.

“We were very pleased with that effort [in the Al Fahidi Fort],” said Lafferty. “It was his first start since March and he has certainly benefitted from it. He stays 1600 metres well and we are hoping for a big run.”

While all runners were on equal weights in the Al Fahidi Fort, Harry's Son this time gets five pounds from Safety Check, who attempts to defend his title here. The 5-year-old is certainly a horse for the course, having won five straight over the Meydan turf–with two winless tries in Britain over the summer in between–and trainer Charlie Appleby reported the chestnut to be in fine fettle.

“We said we thought Safety Check was a better horse this year and he won the Al Fahidi Fort well,” said Appleby. “He has pleased us since that win and seems in great form. The 1600 metres is as far as he wants to go but the trip is not a problem around Meydan, as he showed winning the Zabeel Mile last year. The style of racing really suits him at Meydan and he looks to have a major chance.”

Trainer Mike de Kock, who has won this race three times since 2007, saddles two: Zahee (NZ) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) and Johann Strauss (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}). Johann Strauss makes his seasonal debut and was last seen finishing third in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 on Super Saturday last year, while Zahee was second to Ghaamer (Hard Spun) in last weekend's Listed HH The President Cup going 1400 metres at Abu Dhabi.

“It looks a good renewal but both ours are fit and well,” said De Kock. “Zahee was much better last time having disappointed on his return, whereas Johann Strauss is very talented but has not been straightforward to train. He is ready for a run but will improve from it.”