Meydan Racecourse is set for an exciting Valentine’s Day as it hosts the 12th Dubai Racing Carnival card of the season this Friday. With eight competitive races on the schedule, the night promises top-tier action featuring runners from seven different countries.

One of the highlights of the evening is race six, the Lincoln Aviator Presidential Handicap, which offers a lucrative AED350,000 purse. The Michael Costa-trained trio will be in the spotlight, led by Saleymm, who finished third on dirt last time out. Jebel Ali Stables’ Costa admitted that the initial plan was to start him over six furlongs (1200m), but this race became the best available option.

"This race will determine if he heads to the Ras Al Khor or returns to dirt for something like the Burj Nahaar," Costa explained.

The trainer also saddles Embesto, sixth on his UAE debut at Jebel Ali, and Elnajmm, a recent acquisition from William Haggas, who finished fourth in a dirt trial. Costa remains optimistic about both horses despite limited turf options:

"Embesto is in good shape for his return to turf, though we’d prefer a longer distance. Elnajmm is fresh and could step up in trip, but we may have to test him on dirt soon."

Godolphin Duo Set for Showdown

Charlie Appleby sends out Native Approach and Creative Story, two in-form contenders, with William Buick opting to ride the latter. Appleby, already with 13 winners this Carnival, believes his pair has a strong chance:

"Creative Story impressed in his Dubai debut, while Native Approach was strong in the Business Bay Challenge but underwhelming in the Al Fahidi Fort. We’re hopeful he can bounce back."

Another horse to watch is El Nasseeb, a dual Meydan winner making his first turf start for Musabbeh Al Mheiri after excelling on dirt.

International Flavor in the Lincoln Corsair Handicap

Race two, the Lincoln Corsair Handicap (2000m, turf), welcomes a new face to Meydan in Georges Mikhalides, a Group 1-winning trainer based in Qatar. His runner, Kadovar, boasts victories at Epsom and Doha, though he faces a wide draw in stall 15.

“The draw isn’t ideal, but over 2000m, we should be fine,” said Mikhalides, who has booked Irish jockey Dylan McMonagle. “The jockey is strong, so we’ll hope for the best.”

Another runner with a tricky draw is Berkshire Nugget, trained by Lucie Botti and set to break from post 16 under Ray Dawson. Botti is confident in her horse’s condition but acknowledges the challenge:

“He’s in great shape after his second-place finish last month, but the draw is definitely not in our favor.”

Swedish Hope in the Lincoln Handicap

Sweden is represented in race seven, the Lincoln Handicap (2200m, dirt), by Havandi, trained by Nina Lensvik. A two-time winner on dirt back home, Havandi has been working with Silvestre de Sousa, who rides him for the first time.

“Silvestre has been riding him in training and really likes him on dirt,” said Lensvik. “He’s still very green, as this is only his fourth run, but I have high hopes for him. A strong placing would be a great result.”

Arabian Action Kicks Off the Card

The evening starts at 5:30 PM local time with the Al Tayers Motors Handicap (2000m, dirt) for Purebred Arabians. Sand Storm AA, victorious over 1600m last week, aims for back-to-back wins for trainer Ernst Oertel.

“She loves the dirt, so hopefully, she can build on last week’s success,” said Oertel, who also runs AF Afham, the mount of Tadhg O’Shea.

“AF Afham has a great draw in stall 4. I’ve always believed he’s a Group horse, so I’ve been disappointed with his results, even though he has won. I expect him to step up and show his true ability over this longer trip.”

With seven countries represented and high-class horses throughout the card, Meydan’s Valentine’s Day meeting is shaping up to be a thrilling night of international racing.