It was first run in 1994 on dirt at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. It was transferred to Meydan in 2010 where it was run on the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface. In 2015 the synthetic surface at Meydan was replaced by a dirt track.[1]
The race began as an ungraded stakes race before attaining Listed status in 1996. The race was elevated to Group 3 level in 2000 and became a Group 2 event in 2002. The race became a Group 1 event in 2012.
Fashion Friday at Meydan with decent card featuring 8 group races , including the feature race the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge worth million US Dollars .
Al Maktoum Challenge Presented By Longines (Group 1) (Dirt) (3yo+) Winner £446,964 9 runners 1m1f110y Fast SK/RT
race conditions £744,939 guaranteed For southern hemisphere 3yo; northern hemisphere 4yo+ Weight for age 4yo from 5yo+ 1lb Penalty value 1st £446,963.56 2nd £148,987.85 3rd £74,493.93 4th £37,246.96 5th £22,348.18 6th £14,898.79
8 runners declared Al Maktoum Challenge over 1900 metres (1M 1F 110YDS) on the dirt .
Last years winner WALK OF STARS , looked in need of the race when only third in listed race at Meydan last month behind Heart Of Honour , though that was his first run for 255 days . Had some useful form last season , including winning this race last year in impressive style .Also finished fair fourth in Dubai World Cup . Can reverse form with Heart Of Honour on 7lb better terms.Odds around 3-1 look solid value .
Stablemate IMPERIAL EMPEROR , looks the main danger after winning mile G2 contest at Meydan last month, has decent record here at Meydan on dirt (4 out 6) , including finishing creditable second in this race last year
The improving HEART OF HONOUR,can't be ruled out after winning both starts this season , including winning listed contest over C&D last time in good style , beating two of todays rivals Walk Of Stars & Artorius, though had fitness edge that day, faces much stiffer task here in G1 company meeting Walk Of Stars on 7lb worse terms .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VERDICT : (1) WALK OF STARS (2) IMPERIAL EMPEROR (3) HEART OF HONOUR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Al Fahidi Fort is a horse race run over a distance of 1,400 metres (seven furlongs) on turf in January at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The race is named after the oldest existing building in Dubai.
The race distance was 1600 metres until 2014 it was reduced to 1400 metres.The race began as a Listed race in 2003. The race was elevated to Group 3 level in 2004 and became a Group 2 event in 2006.
race conditions £172,065 guaranteed For southern hemisphere 3yo; northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value 1st £103,238.87 2nd £34,412.96 3rd £17,206.48 4th £8,603.24 5th £5,161.94 6th £3,441.30
Big Field for Al Fahidi Fort with 15 runners going to post for this group 2 contest on the turf .
Last years winner MARBAAN has to be respected, very consistent sort, finished fair third last time in listed company behind Mysterious Night. Had some useful form last season winning twice at the Meydan carnival in G2 & G3 company , though has to overcome very difficult draw in stall 15.
Last years runner-up and 2024 winner MYSTERIOUS NIGHT, should go well after making winning reappearance at Meydan last month in listed company.Has excellent record here at Meydan (122116). Stall 10 is not ideal, though should be able to get position just behind the pace setters and use his potent turn foot in closing stages . Odds 7-2 look solid value .
Best of the rest looks to be Irish raider CHICAGO CRITIC , ran better than his finishing position would suggest last time at Meydan behind Quddwah , staying on nicely in closing stages in slowly run race .Will be suited by likely stronger pace , had shown some fair form in Ireland last season .Each-way claims .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VERDICT : (1) MYSTERIOUS NIGHT (2) MARBAAN (3) CHICAGO CRITIC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED BETS FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY 2025
MYSTERIOUS NIGHT 2.40 AL FAHIDI FORT
1PT WIN @ 7-2 WILLIAM HILLS
WALK OF STARS 4.25 AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE
1PT WIN @ 11-4 888BET
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment