Polar River set to make Meydan return

dubai — UAE Oaks and 1000 Guineas heroine, Polar River is set to make her return to Meydan Racecourse on Thursday for the first time since landing the runner-up spot in the Group 2 UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup day this year.

She takes on the boys once again in the featured 10-runner Gulf News Conditions race over 1600m, the fifth race of the seven-race card.

Still unraced 12 months ago, the filly made a stunning racecourse debut when, then a juvenile, she trounced 11 rivals, all bar one her elders, in a 1200m maiden in early December.

The Doug Watson-trained three-year-old she began 2016 by winning the 1400m UAE 1000 Guineas Trial before taking the first fillies’ classic over 1600m. That Listed success, clinched by an ever expanding 13 lengths, was followed by victory in the Group 3 UAE Oaks over 1900m after which she started hot favourite for the Group 2 UAE Derby, over the same course and distance.

An unlucky second in that Dubai World Cup night feature, Watson shelved plans to follow the Japanese race winner, Lani in a US campaign so she could enjoy a restful summer in the UAE. She has clearly been pleasing her trainer who is looking forward to getting her back on the track but she does find herself in the unusual position of, as a three-yearold filly, having to concede weight to older males.

“She is a lovely filly and was a real star last season,” said Watson. “Her work has been very good and she is, basically, ready for a race. She has a lot of weight to carry but her early season options are limited and this looked the ideal start point.

“She is one we are really looking forward to this season.”

The US handler also saddles Grand Argentier who looks one of the main dangers under Sam Hitchcott with stable jockey Pat Dobbs opting to ride Polar River. A course and distance winner in February under Hitchcott, Watson’s second runner looked a natural on the Meydan dirt surface in his first UAE season.

“Like Polar River, Grand Argentier is pleasing us at home and this looked the race to get him back in racecourse action. He has done well over the summer and should run a big race.”

The main opposition could come from Top Clearance, another to have won over track and trip, in his case in late January.