European dozen target big prizes in Dubai
Despite Europe being without a representative in the feature contest, there will still be plenty of interest on the supporting card, most notably in the $2m Dubai Sheema Classic where five British runners will take on two Andre Fabre-trained French raiders in the mile-and-a-half contest.
There were few surprises among the final entry lists with only three horses being withdrawn, one of which was doubly-engaged.
However, some eyebrows were raised by the scarcity of Godolphin representatives at a meeting they have traditionally dominated, both in numbers and success.
A total of 23 and 18 Godolphin runners respectively took part at the meeting in the last two years, but this year just nine have been declared an indication of a reported change in policy at Sheikh Mohammed's operation that will see their horses campaigned with a long season in mind.
Of those nine, the most significant booking for Frankie Dettori appears to be his decision to partner recent purchase Crimson Palace over last year's 2000 Guineas hero Refuse To Bend in the Dubai Duty Free.
Bought by Godolphin after winning at the Carnival for Mike de Kock, the South African mare has been pleasing her new connections in her recent work.
Bookmakers Coral reacted to Dettori's decision by cutting her price for the race to 9-2 from 6-1 with Refuse To Bend, who will be ridden by Aussie Kerrin McEvoy, pushed out to 10-1 from the same price.
William Hill opened a book on the number of winners Dettori will ride at the meeting and make one the favourite at 10-11, although he is only 11-8 to draw a blank an eventuality that has occurred only once in the past seven years.
According to Hills, Dettori's best chance will come in the Godolphin Mile, where he rides last year's winner Firebreak.
The five-year-old has been off the track since finishing a close-up fifth in the Hong Kong Mile last December.
