$1 million Godolphin Mile: Tamarkuz poised to kick up dirt

With the maximum field of 16 declared, the 1600m Group 2 $1 million Godolphin Mile sponsored by Meydan Sobha promises to be the most competitive of Saturday’s five dirt contests.

With a low draw considered a massive advantage, plenty of connections were left rueing their luck but connections of Tamarkuz (USA) were not among them.

Trained by Musabah Al Muhairi for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tamarkuz has won his three most recent outings, all over this course and distance, and on each occasion taking full advantage of a good draw.

His two most recent victories were both in Group 3 company, including the Burj Nahaar, sponsored by Emirates Holidays, on Super Saturday.

Not surprisingly, the owner’s first jockey, Paul Hanagan, sticks with Tamarkuz leaving second jockey, Dane O’Neill, to partner Nolohay (IRE), also trained by Al Muhairi.

“Both of ours are course and distance winners,” said Al Muhairi. “We have been lucky with the draw for both of them and hopefully they will run big races.”

At the other end of the draw spectrum is Surfer (USA), winner of Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1, presented by Longines, on the first night of the 2015 Dubai World Cup Carnival.

Trained by Satish Seemar, he drew the dreaded gate 16 whereas stable companion, Gold City (IRE), second to Tamarkuz on his last two starts, fared a bit better in stall 10.

“If any horse deserves a decent draw it is Surfer,” bemoaned Seemar. “He has been so unlucky with draws so many times. We have to hope but it will be little short of a miracle if he was to win from there.

“With Gold City the draw is less of an issue as he comes from off the pace.”

Richard Mullen rides Surfer with Marc Monaghan, unable to utilise his apprentice claim, aboard Gold City.

On his latest start, Surfer was fourth to Frankyfourfingers (FR), in opposition again for Salim bin Ghadayer and Mickael Barzalona. Stall six can only be a positive for Barzalona’s mount.

Another local hope dealt a cruel post is Layl (USA), to be ridden by Pat Dobbs for Doug Watson. He will exit stall 14.

“Disappointed would be an understatement, when I saw the draw,” said Watson. “Pat knows the horse well so we will probably just have to let the speed horses get on with it and try to pick up the pieces in the straight.

“At least our horse will face the kickback and he is going to be a really nice horse next season.”

The Jeremy Noseda-trained Sloane Avenue (USA) was considered a Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates, prospect but has been off the track since November.

On that occasion he beat Cladocera on the Kempton all-weather but the mount of Frankie Dettori also has a poor draw, in 15.

Fellow UK challenger, Dark Emerald (IRE), making his dirt debut, has two Meydan victories from four starts this year for Brendan Powell. He has been second on the other two occasions and has a good draw in seven.

Saeed bin Suroor has saddled the winner of this race nine times but his Free Wheeling (AUS), although favourably berthed in two, looks an unlikely winner.

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